Ferrocene enhanced interface coupling between Co-MOF and Co nanoparticle for efficient electrocatalytic oxygen reduction

Reasonable heterogeneous interface engineering is crucial for achieving efficient and robust oxygen reduction reactions (ORR). Herein, a ferrocene enhanced interface coupling catalyst has been successfully developed, which consists of cobalt‑nitrogen-doped carbon dodecahedra (Co@NC) with cobalt-ferrocene MOF nanosheets (Co-FcDC). The Co@NC/Co-FcDC catalyst demonstrates superior ORR electrocatalytic activity with a half-wave potential of 0.82 V and a good durability. This promoted performance is attributed to the Fc-enhanced interface coupling interaction between Co-FcDC and Co@NC, which optimizes the electron structure of Co nanoparticles (NP s), increases oxygen adsorption, and reduces the energy barrier for converting O-containing intermediates (*OH) into OH − . This research offers a valuable perspective for the reasonable construction of ferrocene-based heterogeneous interfaces for energy storage and conversion.