Direct synthesis of platinum group metal-free Fe-N-C catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline media

A direct, template-free synthesis of a novel, active Fe-N-C oxygen reduction reaction catalyst by the pyrolysis of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid ferric sodium salt is demonstrated. Detailed physical characterization of the catalyst is carried out by surface area measurement, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy in addition to electrochemical analysis using Rotating Ring Disk Electrode measurements. We study the effects of synthesis temperature on graphitization, surface area and their concurrent effects on the catalytic performance of the final products. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.