Synergistic Engineering of Local Coordination and Electronic Modulation by CoS x Nanoparticles Dictates the Oxygen Reduction Pathway of Cobalt Single‐Atom Catalysts in Acidic Media

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Authors: Yan Cheng, Zhengyi Guo, Morigen Bao, Bo Cao, Jun Zhang, Lele Peng
Cited by: 1
References: 46

Abstract

ABSTRACT The selectivity of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is critical for energy transformation efficiency of metal–air batteries or the synthesis of hydrogen peroxide. Hence, we report a coordination‐engineering strategy for cobalt single‐atom (CoSA) catalysts anchored on carbon nanotubes, which enables accurate adjustment of the coordination structure of Co centers via sulfur doping. By modulating the first coordination shell (Co─N x S y ), the two‐electron reduction ORR pathway on CoSA can be facilitated. Specifically, the Co─N 2 S 2 –coordinated catalyst (CoS@CoSA/NS‐CNT/CC) achieves an onset potential of 0.73 V with average Faraday efficiency (FE) of H 2 O 2 for 88% within the 0.35–0.55 V potential window. In contrast, the catalyst with Co─NS 3 coordination (CoS 2 @CoSA/NS‐CNT/CC) exhibits a higher onset potential of 0.78 V but a lower FE of H 2 O 2 for only 48%. Through combined theoretical and experimental analyses, including XAS and in situ ATR‐FTIR, we demonstrate that sulfur doping modulates the electronic configuration of CoSA, thereby optimizing the adsorption behavior of the *OOH intermediate, leading to > 90% H 2 O 2 selectivity and showcasing performance that compares favorably with the top‐tier catalysts known for acidic electrosynthesis of H 2 O 2 .

Fields of Study & Subjects

Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction Advanced battery technologies research

Publication details

Journal / source
Carbon Neutralization
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
5
Issue
3
Publication date
23 April 2026
Language
EN