In the near future, the escalating demand for energy underscores the necessity for advancements in technology to store renewable energies. Water electrolysis, a method dating back two centuries, presents a promising solution for storing intermittent energies by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen [1]. However, the efficiency of this process is hindered by the oxygen-evolution reaction (OER), posing a significant challenge in achieving efficient energy storage [2]. The quest for catalysts that are both effective and sustainable has become paramount, necessitating the exploration of materials beyond precious metals like Ru, Ir, and Rh [3].
While these metals enhance OER, their scarcity and costliness hinder widespread adoption. Consequently, attention has turned towards transition metal oxides such as Co, Ni, Fe, and Mn, which are more abundant and cost-effective [4]. By combining these metals, novel multi-metal catalysts like binary NiFe, NiCo, MnCo, CuFe, and MnFe have been devised to enhance catalytic activity and stability. However, understanding the catalytic mechanisms within these mixed metal oxides poses a significant challenge, requiring advanced analytical techniques for intermediary detection.
Recent studies have scrutinized the impact of Fe on the electrochemical properties of Ni oxides [5]. While Fe contributes to increased conductivity in Ni oxide, it alone cannot explain the heightened activity for OER. Rather, it alters the electronic structure of Ni oxide through partial charge transfer, affecting catalytic activity. The thickness of the catalyst film also plays a crucial role, with Fe-containing films exhibiting lower thickness dependence, indicating a potential Fe-induced mechanism that activates Ni centers. Additionally, the adsorption of Fe impurities has been identified as a pivotal factor in enhancing OER activity in aged Ni(OH)2/NiOOH [5]. Using different techniques [5-8], researchers have shed light on the oxygen formation process, revealing insights into the coupling of oxygen atoms from the catalyst and electrolyte.
Moving forward, efforts are underway to optimize the influence of Fe ions on metal/metal oxide systems during OER, aiming to develop efficient and stable catalysts for this critical reaction.
Targeted catalysts represent a pinnacle of innovation in catalytic science, offering tailored solutions for specific chemical reactions [9]. These catalysts are meticulously designed to optimize reaction rates, selectivity, and overall efficiency in diverse applications, ranging from industrial processes to environmental remediation. Leveraging advances in materials science and nanotechnology, targeted catalysts harness unique properties to unlock new frontiers in catalysis. Through precise control of composition, structure, and morphology, these catalysts exhibit exceptional performance while minimizing resource consumption and waste generation. Collaborative efforts across interdisciplinary fields drive continuous refinement and optimization of targeted catalysts, ensuring their relevance in addressing pressing global challenges. From renewable energy production to pharmaceutical synthesis, targeted catalysts play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable chemistry.
Targeting catalysts for the OER requires a delicate balance of efficiency, stability, and affordability. Novel multi-metal catalysts, such as binary NiFe, NiCo, and CuFe, offer promising avenues due to their enhanced catalytic activity and earth-abundant nature. These catalysts leverage the synergistic effects of multiple metals to optimize OER performance while mitigating the drawbacks of precious metal catalysts. Different analytical techniques are crucial for understanding the intricate catalytic mechanisms within these mixed metal oxides, aiding in catalyst design and optimization [6-8]. Recent studies have highlighted the role of Fe in modulating the electronic structure of Ni oxides, thereby influencing catalytic activity [5]. Additionally, the adsorption of Fe impurities has been identified as a critical factor in enhancing the OER activity of certain catalysts. Moving forward, further research is needed to fine-tune the composition and structure of these catalysts, ultimately paving the way for efficient and sustainable energy storage solutions.

Herein, for the first time, a targeting catalyst will be designed, synthesized, characterized, and studied toward OER. In this groundbreaking endeavor, we aim to synthesize, characterize, and investigate a novel targeting catalyst for the OER. Despite its simplicity, the proposed approach holds immense potential for driving efficiency and effectiveness in catalysis. Our innovative strategy revolves around the synthesis of an ionic solid featuring distinct anionic and cationic sections, meticulously designed to promote the OER at the anode and the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) at the cathode, respectively. Within the crystal lattice of the targeting catalyst, these catalytic components are strategically selected to form a relatively soluble compound in the electrolyte:
Anions: Iron(III) phthalocyanine-4,4′,4′′,4′′′-tetrasulfonate or Nickel (III) phthalocyanine-4,4′,4′′,4′′′-tetrasulfonate
Cations: Copper(II) 4,4′,4′′,4′′′-tetraaza-29H,31H-phthalocyanine or Tetra ammine platinum(II) nitrate
By harnessing the principles of solid-state chemistry, we aim to engineer a versatile catalyst platform that not only optimizes energy conversion processes but also offers scalability and commercial viability for widespread adoption in diverse electrochemical applications.
The integration of the targeting catalyst into electrochemical devices represents a pivotal advancement in the field of renewable energy, with the potential to revolutionize key technologies such as water splitting, hydrogen production, and energy storage. Collaborative efforts between two research groups will be instrumental in unlocking the full potential of targeting catalysts [9] and translating them into practical solutions for sustainable energy. Through systematic characterization and study of the targeting catalyst, we seek to gain invaluable insights into its structure-function relationships, paving the way for further optimization and refinement of its catalytic properties. The development of targeting catalysts heralds a new era in catalyst design, shifting towards tailored solutions that address specific reaction pathways and performance requirements with unparalleled precision and efficiency. As research progresses and our understanding of targeting catalysts deepens, the possibilities for innovation and impact in the realm of electrochemistry continue to expand, promising a brighter future for sustainable energy solutions.
The simplicity and efficiency of our proposed approach make it a promising candidate for scalable production and widespread commercialization, offering a viable pathway toward achieving global sustainability goals. By leveraging the synergistic effects of the anionic and cationic components within the targeting catalyst, we aim to unlock new frontiers in electrochemical catalysis, driving advancements in renewable energy technologies and mitigating environmental challenges. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and concerted research efforts, we endeavor to harness the full potential of targeting catalysts, catalyzing transformative changes in the landscape of energy conversion and storage. Innovation in catalyst design is essential for addressing pressing global challenges, and the development of targeting catalysts represents a significant step forward in this endeavor, offering tailored solutions for a sustainable future. With the synthesis and characterization of the targeting catalyst, we aim to not only advance fundamental understanding but also translate scientific discoveries into tangible solutions that benefit society and the environment. The targeted catalyst design holds promise for revolutionizing various industrial processes, from clean energy production to environmental remediation, driving progress toward a more sustainable and prosperous future. Through meticulous study and optimization, we aspire to unlock th full potential of targeting catalysts, driving efficiency, scalability, and affordability in electrochemical applications for the betterment of society. With dedication, collaboration, and ingenuity, we strive to realize the full potential of targeting catalysts, catalyzing a sustainable future powered by clean energy and innovative technologies.

Solar energy conversion for hydrogen production is the main area of research activity of the SPbU laboratory “Photoactive nanocomposite materials” lead by Prof. Detlef Bahnemann, who is a co-leader of the current project. Therefore, for ten years of the research activities conducted in SPbU laboratory a large array of the results in this area has been obtained. Particularly, a concept of formation and application of heterostructured materials, based on metal oxide semiconductors, for photoelectrochemical solar energy conversion has been developed and advanced. The key results has been published in high ranking international journals and widely recognized by the international research community (see, for example: Formation and Electrochemical Properties of Heterostructured Electrodes Based on Cu2O and CuCo2O4, Murashkina, A.A.; Rudakova, A.V.; Bakiev, T.V.; Emeline, A.V.; Bahnemann, D.W., 20 Jan 2024, Coatings. 14, 1, 141.; Effect of the Heterovalent Sc3+ and Nb5+ Doping on Photoelectrochemical Behavior of Anatase TiO2. Siliavka, E.S.; Rudakova, A.V.; Bakiev, T.V.; Murashkina, A.A.; Murzin, P.D.; Kataeva, G.V.; Emeline, A.V.; Bahnemann, D.W., 17 Jan 2024, Catalysts. 14, 1, 76.; 2D Copper–Porphyrin Metal–Organic Framework Nanosheet-Photosensitized TiO2 for Efficiently Broadband Light-Driven Conversion of CO2 to CH4, Xiaoqian Xu, Hui Wang, Ting Gao, Tian Luo, Irina Zvereva, Farid Orudzhev, Chuanyi Wang, Detlef W. Bahnemann, 2024, Solar RRL. 8, 9, 2400081.; Investigation of the Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production of Semiconductor Nanocrystal-Based Hydrogels. Schlenkrich, J., Lübkemann-Warwas, F., T. Graf, R., Wesemann, C., Schoske, L., Rosebrock, M., D. J. Hindricks, K., Behrens, P., Bahnemann, D. W., Dorfs, D. & C. Bigall, N., 24 May 2023, Small. 19, 21, 2208108.; 2023 roadmap on photocatalytic water splitting. Bahnemann, D., Robertson, P. K. J., Wang, C., Choi, W., Daly, H., Danish, M., de Lasa, H., Escobedo, S., Hardacre, C., Jeon, T. H., Kim, B., Kisch, H., Li, W., Long, M., Muneer, M., Skillen, N. & Zhang, J., 2023, JPhys Energy. 5, 1, 012004.; Simultaneous S-scheme promoted Ag@AgVO3/g-C3N4/CeVO4 heterojunction with enhanced charge separation and photo redox ability towards solar photocatalysis. Mishra, N. S., Kuila, A., Saravanan, P., Bahnemann, D. W., Jang, M. & Routu, S., 2023, Chemosphere. 326, 138496.; Electron Transfer Processes in Heterostructured Photocatalysts. Alexei V. Emeline, Aida V. Rudakova, Ruslan V. Mikhaylov, Vladimir K. Ryabchuk & Nick Serpone, 2022, Springer Handbook of Inorganic Photochemistry. Springer Nature, p. 73-104.; Recent advances in composite and heterostructured photoactive materials for the photochemical conversion of solar energy. Emeline, Alexei V.; Rudakova, Aida V.; Ryabchuk, Vladimir K.; Serpone, Nick. Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry, 34, 100588, 2022.; Photoactive heterostructures: How they are made and explored. / Emeline, Alexei V.; Rudakova, Aida V.; Mikhaylov, Ruslan V.; Bulanin, Kirill M.; Bahnemann, Detlef W. Catalysts, 11, 2, 294, 1-32, 2021).
The research group from Sharif University of Technology under the leadership by Prof. Mohammad Mahdi Najafpour has developed the approaches to create and apply the ionic complexes for the targeted implementation of oxidative and reductive reactions of catalytic water photolysis, which are highly selective and significantly reduce overpotential in the photoelectrochemical system by selecting the optimal composition of such complexes. The success of this developed approach is highly recognized by the international research community and confirmed by the publications in high ranked international journals (see, for example: Hashemi N, Shah JH, Hu C, Nandy S, Aleshkevych P, Sumbal F, Chae KH, Xie W, Liu T, Wang J, Najafpour MM*. Toward a comprehensive hypothesis of oxygen-evolution reaction in the presence of iron and gold. Journal of Energy Chemistry. 2024, 89, 172-183.; Akbari N, Nandy S, Chae KH, Najafpour MM*. Unveiling the Oxygen Evolution Mechanism with FeNi (Hydr) oxide under Neutral Conditions. Inorganic Chemistry. 2023, 62, 38, 15766–15776.; Salmanion M, Najafpour MM*. Oxygen-Evolution Reaction Performance of Nickel (Hydr) Oxide in Alkaline Media: Iron and Nickel Impurities. The Journal of Physical Chemistry C. 2023, 127, 37, 18340–18349.; Akbari N, Nandy S, Aleshkevych P, Chae KH, Najafpour MM*. Oxygen-evolution reaction in the presence of cerium (iv) ammonium nitrate and iron (hydr) oxide: old system, new findings. Dalton Transactions. 2023, 52(32), 11176-11186.; Kalantarifard S, Akbari N, Aleshkevych P, Nandy S, Chae KH, Najafpour MM*. Application of a Nickel Complex for Water Oxidation under Neutral and Acidic Conditions. ACS Applied Energy Materials. 2023, 6, 7, 3881–3893.; Salimi S, Zand Z, Hołyńska M, Allakhverdiev SI*, Najafpour MM*. Nanostructured manganese oxide on carbon for water oxidation: New findings and challenges. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. 2022;47(97):40943-51.; Hashemi N, Nandy S, Chae KH, Najafpour MM.* Anodization of a NiFe Foam: An Efficient and Stable Electrode for Oxygen-Evolution Reaction, ACS Applied Energy Materials 2022, 5, 9, 11098-11112.).
Thus, both Russian and Iranian research groups have a very strong background in the research area of the project and are well internationally recognized.

The project centered on developing a novel catalyst for the OER has several anticipated outcomes. These include scientific advancements, publications, dissemination of findings, and enhancement of collaborative and educational opportunities:

Introduction of Target Catalyst for OER
The core objective is to introduce a new catalyst specifically designed to enhance the efficiency of the OER. This involves:
•Innovative Design: The catalyst will feature a unique ionic structure with distinct anionic and cationic sections tailored for improved performance at the anode.
•Enhanced Performance Metrics: Expectations include lower overpotentials, higher current densities, and better stability compared to existing materials.

Planned Joint Publications
The dissemination of the research findings through high-impact publications is a crucial outcome:
•Target Journals: The goal is to publish two Q1 papers in reputable journals such as those from the American Chemical Society (ACS) or the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).
•Focus Areas: The papers will detail the synthesis, characterization, and performance analysis of the new catalyst, contributing significant knowledge to the field of electrochemistry and materials science.

Report on Activities at an International Conference
Participation in an international conference will help to showcase the research to a global audience:
•Presentation of Findings: The team plans to present the results and methodologies at a well-regarded international conference, enhancing visibility and peer feedback.


Training of Young Talents and Joint Training of Graduate Students
•Education and training are integral components of the project:
Young researchers and graduate students will gain practical experience in advanced synthesis techniques, characterization methods, and electrochemical testing.
Academic Development: The project aims to contribute to the academic growth of students through structured training sessions, mentorship, and involvement in high-level research activities.

Visiting Labs and Strong Collaboration to Perform Experiments
The project emphasizes collaboration and resource sharing:
Lab Visits: Team members will visit collaborating labs, which will provide opportunities to use specialized equipment and learn new techniques.
Shared Expertise: Collaboration will include regular interactions and workshops with partnering institutions, ensuring a transfer of knowledge and strengthening of research capabilities.

Aim for a Significant Russian-Iranian Grant to Continue Collaboration
Securing additional funding is a strategic goal:

These expected results will not only advance the specific field of OER but also contribute broadly to sustainable energy technologies, international scientific collaboration, and the training of the next generation of scientists.

To receive additional funding for the further implementation of the project, applications will be submitted for Competition for Grants in the priority area of RSF activities “Basic Scientific Research and Exploratory Scientific Research Conducted by International Research Teams” (in cooperation with the Iran National Science Foundation - INSF)


References
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3.Madadkhani, S., Allakhverdiev, S. I., & Najafpour, M. M. (2020). An iridium-based nanocomposite prepared from an iridium complex with a hydrocarbon-based ligand. New Journal of Chemistry, 44(36), 15636-15645.
4.Blakemore, J. D., Crabtree, R. H., & Brudvig, G. W. (2015). Molecular catalysts for water oxidation. Chemical Reviews, 115(23), 12974-13005.
5.Trotochaud, L., Young, S. L., Ranney, J. K., & Boettcher, S. W. (2014). Nickel–iron oxyhydroxide oxygen-evolution electrocatalysts: the role of intentional and incidental iron incorporation. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 136(18), 6744-6753.
6.Ali Akbari, M. S., Bagheri, R., Song, Z., & Najafpour, M. M. (2020). Oxygen-evolution reaction by nickel/nickel oxide interface in the presence of ferrate (VI). Scientific reports, 10(1), 8757.
7.Ali Akbari, M. S., Nandy, S., Chae, K. H., & Najafpour, M. M. (2024). Iron Integration in Nickel Hydroxide Matrix vs Surface for Oxygen-Evolution Reaction: Where the Nernst Equation Does Not Work. The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, 15, 3591-3602.
8.Akbari, N., Nandy, S., Chae, K. H., & Najafpour, M. M. (2023). Unraveling the Dynamic Behavior of Iron-doped Oxidized Cobalt–Nickel Alloy in the Oxygen-Evolution Reaction. ACS Applied Energy Materials, 6(22), 11613-11625.
9.Zhang, Q., Jiang, H., Liu, S., Wang, Q., Wang, J., Zhou, Z., ... & Wang, Q. (2024). Redox-targeting catalyst developing new reaction path for high-power zinc-bromine flow batteries. Journal of Power Sources, 601, 234286.