potahem

Potahem is a term used in speculative discussions to denote a class of porous, potassium-doped, heme-derived materials envisioned for energy storage and catalysis. It is not an established chemical name, and there is no consensus definition in mainstream literature.

The name combines potash (potassium) and hem from heme, reflecting the proposed integration of potassium with iron-porphyrin (heme) units within a porous carbon framework.

In the theoretical framework, potahem materials would feature a porous carbon or carbon-heteroatom network doped with potassium and containing redox-active heme-derived centers. The porosity and high surface area aim to support fast charge transfer and accessible active sites.

Hypothetical synthesis routes involve assembling heme or synthetic porphyrin analogs with potassium salts on templated carbon precursors, followed by carbonization and activation to yield a doped, porous carbon material with iron-porphyrin–like active sites.

In speculative contexts, potahem materials are proposed for lithium- or potassium-based energy storage devices, such as high-surface-area supercapacitors or redox-flow electrodes, as well as for catalytic membranes and ORR catalysts. There is no established experimental realization under this name.

See also: porphyrin-based materials, porous carbons, redox-active frameworks.