Modulation of Electronic Structure in Kraft Lignin‐Derived Mo Single‐Atom Catalysts for Optimized Electrochemical Oxygen Reduction

Junbeom Park; Jaemin Park; Jun Ho Seok; Ji Soo Byun; Cheoulwoo Oh; Eung‐Dab Kim; Young‐Jin Ko; Youngeun Kim; Gawon Sim; Min Jae Kim; Hyeon‐Seok Bang; Ho Seok Park; Chun‐Jae Yoo; Sang Uck Lee; Hyung‐Suk Oh; Kwang Ho Kim; Wooseok Yang

doi:10.1002/advs.202522273

journal article·2026-02Open access

Modulation of Electronic Structure in Kraft Lignin‐Derived Mo Single‐Atom Catalysts for Optimized Electrochemical Oxygen Reduction

Junbeom Park, Jaemin Park, Jun Ho Seok, Ji Soo Byun, Cheoulwoo Oh, Eung‐Dab Kim, Young‐Jin Ko, Youngeun Kim, Gawon Sim, Min Jae Kim, Hyeon‐Seok Bang, Ho Seok Park, Chun‐Jae Yoo, Sang Uck Lee, Hyung‐Suk Oh, Kwang Ho Kim, Wooseok Yang

Advanced Science· Volume 13· Issue 12

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Source abstract

Abstract

Abstract The sluggish kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) remain a major bottleneck for energy conversion systems such as fuel cells and metal–air batteries. Here, the synthesis of molybdenum single‐atom catalysts (Mo SACs) derived from abundant and low‐cost Kraft lignin is reported. By tuning nitrogen incorporation during carbonization, agglomerated Mo carbide clusters are progressively converted into atomically dispersed Mo active centers anchored on N‐doped carbon. Extensive spectroscopic analyses confirm this structural evolution, while density functional theory calculations reveal that the optimized Mo coordination environment downshifts the d‐band center, enabling the balanced adsorption of oxygen intermediates and thereby improving the intrinsic ORR activity. Electrochemical measurements demonstrate enhanced half‐wave potential, near‐four‐electron transfer pathway, superior selectivity, and excellent durability, with ≈85% current retention over 50 h. Beyond performance, the use of minimally processed Kraft lignin underscores both the economic and environmental advantages of this approach, offering a scalable and sustainable pathway to practical ORR electrocatalysts.

Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

Energy storage Catalysis & surfaces

OpenAlex topics: Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion · Lignin and Wood Chemistry · Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

School of Chemical Engineering Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) Suwon 16419 Republic of Korea

Clean Energy Research Center Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Seoul 02792 Republic of Korea

KIST‐SKKU Carbon‐Neutral Research Center Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) Suwon 16419 Republic of Korea

School of Chemistry Monash University Clayton Victoria 3800 Australia

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Yonsei University Seoul 03722 Republic of Korea

Department of Environmental and Energy Engineering Yonsei University Wonju 26493 Republic of Korea

Department of Future Energy Engineering (DFEE) Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) Suwon 16419 Republic of Korea

School of Advanced Materials Science and Engineering Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) Suwon 16419 Republic of Korea

SKKU Institute of Energy Science and Technology (SIEST) Sungkyunkwan University Suwon 16419 Republic of Korea

Department of Wood Science Faculty of Forestry University of British Columbia 2424 Main Mall Vancouver BC V6T 1Z4 Canada

Funding

National Research Foundation of Korea

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