Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR)

The Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a key process in electrochemical energy conversion systems, including fuel cells and metal–air batteries. However, its intrinsically sluggish kinetics and complex reaction pathways significantly limit device efficiency and practical deployment. To address these challenges, Zhou group focuses on developing efficient, stable, and tunable ORR catalytic systems, with an emphasis on understanding the structure–property relationships and reaction mechanisms. Zhou group design and construct porous materials with precise structural tunability, such as metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and their derivatives, and tailor their coordination environments to regulate oxygen adsorption and activation. In parallel, Zhou group employ electronic structure modulation strategies to enhance catalytic activity and selectivity. Mechanistically, Zhou group integrate in multiple characterization techniques with theoretical calculations to elucidate ORR pathways (2e^- vs. 4e^-) and the evolution of key intermediates.