Spin Selective Charge Transport Through Cysteine Capped Iridium Nanoparticles and Its Effect on the Electrochemical Catalytic Activity

Highly efficient processes for energy conversion are a necessity to keep up with the growing demand for energy and a sustainable future. Electrocatalysts play a crucial role in this goal and so overcoming their shortcomings are essential. In this study, chiral iridium nanoparticles produced by way of functionalising iridium nanoparticles with L-cysteine in a two step synthesis process, demonstrates the ability to boost catalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) though a electron spin polarisation mechanism. As a result of the spin selective nature of the mechanism, potential parasitic species formation such as hydrogen peroxide is hindered, which can lead to prolonged catalyst life-time.