In-site salt template-assisted synthesis of FeP self-embedded P, N co-doped hierarchical porous carbon for efficient oxygen reduction reaction

Abstract

BackgroundThe rational design and simple preparation of a cost-effective and strong durability of non-precious metal catalyst for oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) is desire eminently for large-scale commercial full cells applications. MethodsHerein, a novel FeP nanoparticles self-embedded P, N-codoped hierarchical porous carbon (FeP@NPC) with multiple active sites has been prepared by one-step salt-assisted self-template high-temperature pyrolysis strategy. The NaCl crystal provides a template for carbon precursor (glycine) to generate rich and hierarchical porous carbon, while Fe(NO3)3•9H2O and (NH4)2HPO4 are used as iron, nitrogen and phosphorus source to prepare FeP and further synchronously in-situ P, N co-doped into the porous carbon skeleton. Significant findingsThe FeP nanoparticles fully expose active sites in unique hierarchical structure of FeP@NPC and shows enhanced ORR catalytic activity. The typical FeP@NPC-90-900 catalyst exhibits excellent ORR performance in alkaline media, with a high initial potential (Eonest = 0.973 V), half-wave potential (E1/2 = 0.863 V), and good stability. The FeP@NPC-90-900 catalyst has better methanol resistance and ORR catalytic activity than commercial Pt/C catalysts. Therefore, the FeP@NPC-90-900 catalyst synthesized by the facile template method opens a new way for the synthesis of P, N-doped hierarchical porous carbon-based electrocatalysts and facilitates the ORR performance of metal phosphides.