Abstract
Iron-nitrogen-carbon graphitic (Fe-N-C), a noble metal-free catalyst holds a lot of promise to substitute platinum (Pt) as an efficient catalyst in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, the synthesis process and the stabilization of single atoms that tend to aggregate, without jeopardizing the catalytic activity remain challenging. Here we demonstrate a stabilized assisted method for the preparation of Fe-N-C electrocatalyst by using graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheet as a template. Fe ions are absorbed on the surface of g-C3N4 and imprisoned after the addition of pyrrole, preventing Fe migration that may result in nanoparticles. During the pyrolysis, Fe atoms coordinated with N provided by g-C3N4 and pyrrole on graphitic carbon to form Fe-N-C with a metal loading of 5.4 wt%. Moreover, FeNx species were introduced in the graphitic carbon, where the coexistence of micro and mesopores were favorable to offer a larger density of active sites compared to Fe/NP without pyrrole. Fe-N-C demonstrated a good electrocatalytic performance with a half-wave potential (E 1/2) of 0.82 V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE)) higher than Fe/NP (0.76 V) and close to Pt/C, with a superior long stability of 85% in alkaline media after 40000 s.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.