Noble-Metal-Free Cu-N/C Supramolecular Catalyst for Highly Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Neutral Conditions

This paper mainly uses the molecular recognition principle and synergistic effect to synthesize the functional supramolecular 2,7-bis(4-([2,2':6',2''-terpyridin]-4'-yl)phenyl)-9-(heptadecan-9-yl)-9 H -carbazole. The nitrogen active sites at both ends of terpyridine are coordinated with metal copper ions to form a metal supramolecular catalyst that contains both the metal and nitrogen active sites. The surface physical structure and elemental analysis of the synthesized complexes were analyzed using SEM and XPS. The redox properties of the catalysts were characterized using chemical characterization methods, such as cyclic voltammetry (CV), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), and a rotating ring disk electrode (RRDE). The physical and chemical analysis showed that the catalyst was successfully synthesized and that it was subjected to a redox reaction via a four-electron process. Therefore, the prepared metal supramolecular catalyst has good catalytic performance.