Research Progress in ZIF-8 Derived Single Atomic Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Transition metal (TM) single atomic catalysts (M-SAC-N-C) derived from doped zeolite imidazolate frameworks (ZIF-8) are considered attractive oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts for fuel cells and metal-air batteries due to their advantages of high specific surface area, more active catalytic sites, adjustable pore size, and coordination topology features. This review provides an updated overview of the latest advances of M-SAC-N-C catalysts derived from ZIF-8 precursors in ORR electrocatalysis. Particularly, some key challenges, including coordination environments regulation of catalysis center in M-SAC-N-C, the active sites loading optimization and synergistic effects between TM nanoclusters/nanoparticles and the single atoms on M-SAC-N-C catalysis activity, as well as their adaptability in various devices, are summarized for improving future development and application of M-SAC-N-C catalysts. In addition, this review puts forward future research directions, making it play a better role in ORR catalysis for fuel cells and metal air batteries.

Automated summary

This review presents the latest advances of M-SAC-N-C catalysts derived from ZIF-8 precursors in ORR electrocatalysis, highlighting key challenges and future research directions.