Suppressing Jahn-Teller distortion of MnO2 via B-Ni dual single-atoms integration for methane catalytic combustion
Huayu Gu, Fanyu Wang, Sai Chen, Jintong Lan, Jun Wang, Chunlei Pei, Xiao Liu, Jinlong Gong
Abstract
Precisely managing electron transfer pathways throughout the catalytic reaction is paramount for bolstering both the efficacy and endurance of catalysts, offering a pivotal solution to addressing concerns surrounding host structure destabilization and cycling life degradation. This paper describes the integration of B-Ni dual single-atoms within MnO2 channels to serve as an electronic reservoir to direct the electron transfer route during methane catalytic combustion. Comprehensive analysis discovers that B atoms weaken the interaction between O and Mn atoms by forming bonds with lattice oxygen atoms. Meanwhile, Ni atoms facilitate electron transfer to achieve the heightened activity of MnO2. The B-Ni dual-sites instead of Mn (IV) could accommodate excess electrons generated during the reaction to inhibit the formation of high spin Mn (III) species, thereby hindering the Jahn-Teller distortion and maintaining the catalyst stability. This work demonstrates an effective modification strategy to substantially prolong the service life of MnO2-based materials. Manganese oxides typically undergo irreversible phase transformations during redox reactions due to the Jahn-Teller effect. This study introduces adjacent B-Ni single-atomic sites as an electron reservoir to precisely control electron transfer pathways, enabling both high catalytic activity and stability.