One-dimensional conductive metal-organic framework nanorods: a highly selective electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction to hydrogen peroxide

Exploring inexpensive, highly selective, and stable noble-metal-free catalysts for two electronic oxygen reduction reactions (2e(-) ORRs) continues to be an exceedingly active field for the yielding of hydrogen peroxide. Herein, one-dimensional manganese-tetracyanoquinodimethane (Mn-TCNQ) nanorods were synthesized via a simple solution-impregnation and cation exchange method, and delivered excellent electrocatalytic activity for 2e(-) ORR, with a considerable H2O2 yield of 142.6 ppm h(-1) and an outstanding H2O2 selectivity of over 98% in 0.1 M KOH. Density functional theory results revealed that *OOH can be efficiently absorbed on the Mn sites of Mn-TCNQ nanorods, and the succeeding ORR occurred through a 2e(-) pathway.

Automated summary

In this study, one-dimensional manganese-tetracyanoquinodimethane (Mn-TCNQ) nanorods were synthesized and exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity for the production of hydrogen peroxide. The results indicate that the catalyst can efficiently generate H2O2 under alkaline conditions, with a high selectivity for H2O2 production.