Engineering an Ultrahigh–Surface–Area Diatomic Catalyst via Two‐Dimensional–Templated Vapor–Deposition for Advanced Energy Conversion

ABSTRACT The widespread adoption of rechargeable zinc–air batteries (ZABs) is hindered by the slow kinetics of the cathodic oxygen reduction reaction. We report a high‐performance diatomic catalyst comprising atomically dispersed Fe–Cu pairs on nitrogen‐doped carbon (FeCu/NC), synthesized via a two‐dimensional‐templated vapor–deposition approach. The resulting material possesses a specific surface area of 1800 m ² g ⁻¹ —among the highest reported for atomic catalysts—which facilitates efficient mass transport. In alkaline media, FeCu/NC exhibits exceptional ORR activity, featuring a half‐wave potential of 0.912 V, exceeding the performance of the single–atom analogues and commercial Pt/C. This enhancement stems from the heteronuclear electronic coupling, wherein the adjacent Cu atom modulates the Fe d–band center, thereby reducing the activation barrier for rate‐limiting O–O bond cleavage. Employed on an air–cathode, FeCu/NC endows a ZAB with high power density and prolonged cycling stability. Collectively, this study highlights a fundamental breakthrough: the integration of tailored heteronuclear active sites within a high–surface–area architecture offers a powerful catalyst design route for advanced energy conversion.