Cho, Min Su Zang, Yanmei Park, Sung Joon An, Byeong-seon Lee, Ho Jin Gaur, Ashishi Ali, Ghulam Kim, Mingony Chung, Kyung Yoon Park, Sungbin Sung, Yung-eun Kim, Daehae Kim, Ki Jae Myung, Chang Woo Han, Hyuksu 2026-02-03T09:00:57Z 2026-02-03T09:00:57Z 2026-02-02 2025-12 https://pubs.kist.re.kr/handle/201004/154173 Anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) offer a sustainable energy solution with non-precious metal catalysts, reduced degradation, and fuel flexibility. However, the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode and durability concerns impede commercialization. To address these challenges, this study presents a dual-atomic SiFe–N–C catalyst derived from pinecones, a naturally abundant biomass resource. The catalyst features a nitrogen-rich porous carbon matrix that stabilizes Si–Fe dual-atomic sites during pyrolysis. Advanced analyses confirm Fe–Si and Fe–N bonds, which synergistically enhance ORR activity by optimizing electronic structures and intermediate adsorption energies. The SiFe–N–C catalyst surpasses Pt/C and Fe–N–C single-atom benchmarks with superior ORR activity and excellent long-term durability supported by high resistance to CO poisoning as well as methanol crossover. It also demonstrates a promising electrochemical performance as a catalytic material for the separator of Li–S battery. Mechanistic studies reveal that the Si–Fe dual-atomic configuration promotes an efficient Fe–O–O–Si pathway, reducing energy barriers and offering a cost-effective, high-performance solution for electrochemical energy conversion and storage applications. English Wiley Synergistic Fe-Si Dual-Site Pathway Engineering in Biomass-Derived Carbon Matrix for High-Performance Oxygen Reduction Reaction Article 10.1002/cey2.70154 1 Carbon Energy Carbon Energy Y scie scopus 2-s2.0-105025582677 Chemistry, Physical Energy & Fuels Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Materials Science, Multidisciplinary Chemistry Energy & Fuels Science & Technology - Other Topics Materials Science Article; Early Access N-C CATALYST electrocatalysis energy storage and conversion fuel cells heterocatalysis nanomaterials carbon