Computational Study on the Catalytic Performance of Single-Atom Catalysts Anchored on g-CN for Electrochemical Oxidation of Formic Acid

The electrochemical formic acid oxidation reaction (FAOR) has attracted great attention due to its high volumetric energy density and high theoretical efficiency for future portable electronic applications, for which the development of highly efficient and low-cost electrocatalysts is of great significance. In this work, taking single-atom catalysts (SACs) supported on graphitic carbon nitrides (g-CN) as potential catalysts, their catalytic performance for the FAOR was systemically explored by means of density functional theory computations. Our results revealed that the strong hybridization with the unpaired lone electrons of N atoms in the g-CN substrate ensured the high stability of these anchored SACs and endowed them with excellent electrical conductivity. Based on the computed free energy changes of all possible elementary steps, we predicted that a highly efficient FAOR could be achieved on Ru/g-CN with a low limiting potential of -0.15 V along a direct pathway of HCOOH(aq) -> HCOOH* -> HCOO* -> CO2* -> CO2(g), in which the formation of HCOO* was identified as the potential-determining step, while the rate-determining step was located at the CO2* formation, with a moderate kinetic barrier of 0.89 eV. Remarkably, the moderate d-band center and polarized charge of the Ru active site caused the Ru/g-CN catalyst to exhibit an optimal binding strength with various reaction intermediates, explaining well its superior FAOR catalytic performance. Hence, the single Ru atom anchored on g-CN could be utilized as a promising SAC for the FAOR, which opens a new avenue to further develop novel catalysts for a sustainable FAOR in formic-acid-based fuel cells.

Automated summary

In this study, the catalytic performance of single-atom catalysts (SACs) supported on graphitic carbon nitrides (g-CN) for the formic acid oxidation reaction (FAOR) was explored using density functional theory computations. The results showed that efficient FAOR can be achieved on Ru/g-CN catalysts through a direct pathway of HCOOH(aq) -> HCOOH* -> HCOO* -> CO2* -> CO2(g). This research provides a new approach to develop novel catalysts for sustainable FAOR in formic-acid-based fuel cells.