Microwave-assisted synthesis and prototype oxygen reduction electrocatalyst application of N-doped carbon-coated Fe3O4 nanorods

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Fe3O4 nanorods coated with nitrogen-doped mesoporous carbon (ND-Fe3O4@mC) shells of defined thicknesses have been prepared via a new microwave-assisted approach. Microstructural characterization of these ND-Fe3O4@mC structures was performed using x-ray diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Following identification, the electrochemical performance of the catalysts was evaluated using linear sweep voltammetry with a rotating disc electrode system. The present investigation reveals enhanced oxygen reduction reaction catalytic activity and the carbon layer thickness influences oxygen diffusion to the active Fe3O4 nanorod core.