Coordination-Directed Growth of Transition-Metal–Crystalline-Carbon Composites with Controllable Metal Composition

Transition-metal–carbon (CTM) composites show ample activity in many catalytic reactions. However, control of composition, distribution, and properties is challenging. Now, a straightforward path for the synthesis of transition-metal nanoparticles engulfed in crystalline carbon is presented with excellent control over the metal composition, amount, ratio, and catalytic properties. This approach uses molten monomers that coordinate metals ions at high temperature. At high temperatures, strong coordination bonds direct the growth of carbon material with homogeneous metals distribution and with negligible losses, owing to the liquid-like reaction compared to the traditional solid-state reaction. The strength of the approach is demonstrated by the synthesis of mono, binary, and trinary transition-metal–crystalline-carbon composites with tunable and precise elemental composition as well as good electrochemical properties as oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalysts.