Carbon Quantum Dot‐Enabled Microcrystalline Domain Engineering for Selective Four‐Electron Oxygen Reduction

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Authors: S J Zhang, Caihong Liang, Yang Fan, Y Li, Yuexia Li, Huazhang Guo, Jiye Zhang, Yeng Ming Lam, Liang Wang
Cited by: 1
References: 52

Abstract

ABSTRACT Engineering carbon‐based electrocatalysts with well‐defined microcrystalline domains remain a central challenge for achieving efficient and durable oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) without relying on noble metals. Here, a carbon quantum dot (CQD)‐enabled microcrystalline domain engineering strategy that regulates graphitic ordering, electronic structure, and active‐site distribution in carbon catalysts is reported. The incorporation of CQDs during carbonization promotes the formation of spatially distributed microcrystalline domains, together with enriched B‐N coordination and optimized charge density. This structural configuration enhances O 2 activation and *O adsorption while suppressing peroxide pathways, thereby favoring a selective four‐electron ORR process. As a result, the optimized catalyst delivers a half‐wave potential approaching that of commercial Pt/C, together with a near four‐electron transfer pathway. When applied as the air cathode in zinc‐air batteries, it exhibits high power densities of 153 mW cm −2 in liquid cells and 123.8 mW cm −2 in flexible devices, along with stable operation over 1200 h. This work establishes CQD‐enabled microcrystalline domain engineering as an effective strategy for regulating structure‐property relationships in carbon electrocatalysts and provides design insights for high‐performance energy conversion devices.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion CO2 Reduction Techniques and Catalysts Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction

Publication details

Journal / source
Advanced Materials
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
38
Issue
31
Pages
e73234–e73234
Publication date
29 April 2026
Language
EN