Synergistic Effects of Phase Transition and Electron‐Spin Regulation on the Electrocatalysis Performance of Ternary Nitride

Abstract

Transition metal nitrides (TMNs) have great potential use in energy storage and conversion owing to tunable electronic and bonding characteristics. Novel iron rich nitrides nanoparticles anchored on the N‐doped porous carbon, named as (CoxFe1–x)3N@NPC (0 ≤ x < 0.5) are designed here. The synergistic effects of phase transition and electron‐spin regulation on oxygen electrocatalysis are testified. A core–shell structure of (CoxFe1–x)3N with high dispersibility is induced by an intermediate phase transition process, which significantly suppresses coarsening of the metallic nitrides. The Co incorporation regulates d‐band electrons spin polarization. The t2g5eg1 of FeII with the ideal eg electron filling boosts intrinsic activity. (Co0.17Fe0.83)3N@NPC with optimal cobalt content holds electronic configuration with moderate eg electron filling (t2g5eg1), which balances the adsorption of *O2 and the hydrogenation of *OH, improving bifunctional catalytic performances. Both liquid and solid‐state zinc–air batteries assembled based (Co0.17Fe0.83)3N@NPC cathodes substantially deliver higher peak power density and remarkable energy density.

Polyoxometalates combined polypyrrole induced bimetallic phosphides for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution

“…33 The presence of the P–Mo bond proves that the phosphating process was successful and the presence of the P–C bond demonstrates that P was doped into the carbon layers and that the high electronegativity and inherent activity of the P atom itself can adjust the electronic structure of the carbon layers, thereby improving the electrocatalytic performance. 34,35…”

Research progress on layered metal oxide electrocatalysts for an efficient oxygen evolution reaction

“…27–29 Since the electrolysis of water for hydrogen production has entered the field of research, a large number of metal-based OER catalysts have been developed, spanning metal oxides, sulfur compounds, nitrides, phosphides, and beyond. 30–33 Two-dimensional materials including metal halides, metal oxides, metal hydroxides have attracted much attention due to their significant advantages in exposing multiple active sites. 34–36…”

“Setaria viridis”-like cobalt complex derived Co/N-doped carbon nanotubes as efficient ORR/OER electrocatalysts for long-life rechargeable Zn–air batteries

“…6,7 Noble metals, such as Pt- and Ir-based materials, are substantiated to be highly efficient catalysts to promote the reaction kinetics of ORR and OER, respectively, but their low abundance, high cost and insufficient stability are roadblocks for scalable applications. 8–10 Consequently, the exploitation of low cost bifunctional electrocatalysts with sufficient activity and long-term stability is vital to drive the applications of ZABs.…”