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

Abstract

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.