Redox-active and semi-conducting donor–acceptor conjugated microporous polymers as metal-free ORR catalysts

Abstract

Metal-free pristine conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) catalyzing electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are still rare. We therefore put forward a design strategy to fabricate electrochemically active CMPs by linking donor nodes and acceptor spacers. The two new CMPs have been structurally well characterized and show semi-conduction and redox-activity. As a proof of concept, we show that both the CMPs have appreciable ORR activity and catalytic stability over time. Further, DFT calculations reveal the origin of the semi-conducting property and also the mode of oxygen binding to the catalytic centres. This work shows the potential application of pristine metal-free CMPs in energy conversion processes.