Hydrogel derived FeCo/FeCoP embedded in N, P-codoped 3D porous carbon framework as a highly efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction

Numerous studies have been focused on renewable energy conversion devices (e.g. fuel cell and Zn-air battery) to mitigate the climate changing and serious environmental degradation. Herein, hydrogel derived FeCo/FeCoP embedded in N, P-doped three-dimensional porous carbon framework (FeCo/FeCoP@NP-CF) was prepared by the high-temperature pyrolysis and subsequent acid-etching. Polyacrylamide (PAM) would absorb water here to form hydrogel and act as the C and N sources, which is conducive to capture and in-situ reduce metal ions. The hybrid porous carbon framework had interconnection, highly open structures and molecular accessible hierarchical surfaces. The resultant FeCo/FeCoP@NP-CF displayed remarkable oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) characteristics with a more positive half-wave potential (E-1/2) of 0.85 V in 0.1 M KOH electrolyte, surpassing commercial Pt/C (E-1/2 = 0.84 V). This work offers some valuable guidelines for synthesis of non-noble metal catalysts in energy technologies.

Automated summary

This study prepared hydrogel derived FeCo/FeCoP embedded in N, P-doped three-dimensional porous carbon framework (FeCo/FeCoP@NP-CF) through high-temperature pyrolysis and acid-etching. The resultant FeCo/FeCoP@NP-CF showed remarkable oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) characteristics, offering valuable guidelines for synthesis of non-noble metal catalysts in energy technologies.