Regulating\nContact-Electro-Catalysis Using Polymer/Metal\nJanus Composite Catalysts

Interfacial\ncontact electrification can catalyze redox reactions\nthrough a process called contact-electro-catalysis (CEC). The two\nmain reaction paths for producing reactive oxygen species via CEC\nare the water oxidation reaction (WOR) and the oxygen reduction reaction\n(ORR). Herein, we designed a polymer/metal Janus composite catalyst\nthat regulated the reaction rates of the WOR and ORR based on the\ncatalyst composition. The ORR was preferentially enhanced when the\npolymer was negatively charged during contact electrification, while\nthe WOR was preferentially enhanced when the polymer was positively\ncharged. This phenomenon was observed for various conductive materials.\nThe increase in the enhancement of the reaction rates depended on\nthe conductivity and work function of the metal. We expect that this\nefficient CEC method can form a universal strategy for improving the\nperformance of existing catalysts, as contact electrification is common\nin nature.