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

Background: The 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. Methods: Herein, 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-temper-ature pyrolysis strategy. The NaCl crystal provides a template for carbon precursor (glycine) to generate rich and hierarchical porous carbon, while Fe(NO3)(3).9H(2)O and (NH4)(2)HPO4 are used as iron, nitrogen and phos-phorus source to prepare FeP and further synchronously in-situ P, N co-doped into the porous carbon skeleton. Significant findings: The 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 (E-onest = 0.973 V), half-wave potential (E-1/ 2 = 0.863 V), and good stability. The FeP@NPC-90-900 catalyst has better methanol resistance and ORR cata-lytic activity than commercial Pt/C catalysts. Therefore, the FeP@NPC-90-900 catalyst synthesized by the fac-ile 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. (c) 2022 Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A novel FeP nanoparticles self-embedded P, N-codoped hierarchical porous carbon catalyst (FeP@NPC-90-900) has been successfully synthesized, exhibiting excellent catalytic performance for oxygen reduction reactions (ORR). The catalyst shows high catalytic activity, stability, and good methanol resistance in alkaline media, surpassing the performance of commercial Pt/C catalysts.