Dual-Modified C–Ce–Mn₂O₃ Heterostructured Anode Catalytic Layer with Ultrastable OER Performance in Concentrated H₂SO₄ for Sustainable Nonferrous Metal Electrodeposition

Mn 2 O 3 emerges as a viable anode catalytic layer candidate for nonferrous metal electrodeposition, yet its industrial adoption is hindered by acid-triggered structural collapse and Mn 3+ overoxidation. Here, we demonstrate a heterointerfacial engineering strategy that integrates carbon scaffolding with Ce-doped Mn 2 O 3 (C–Ce–Mn 2 O 3 ), achieving high stability in concentrated sulfuric acid (160 g·L –1 ) under aggressive polarization. The C–Ce–Mn 2 O 3 anode sustained operation for 104.3 h at a current density of 1 A·cm –2 before reaching the operational failure threshold, whereas pristine Mn 2 O 3 failed within 53.0 h under identical conditions, demonstrating 100.7% longer operational durability, corresponding to the 1095-day theoretical lifetime 2.07-fold over pristine Mn 2 O 3 . Density functional theory reveals that the injection of electrons from the Ce 4f orbital into toward Mn(III) optimizes the spin-down electronic state of Mn 3d and serves as an electron-sacrificing buffer zone for Mn(III), avoiding the overoxidation of Mn(III). The test results of Proto-LXRD indicate that carbon fiber can effectively reduce the internal stress of Mn 2 O 3, increase the coating strength, and suppress the cracking and shell formation of the catalytic layer during electrochemical corrosion.