One-step pyrolytic synthesis of small iron carbide nanoparticles/3D porous nitrogen-rich graphene for efficient electrocatalysis

Uniform iron carbide nanoparticles (Fe3C, similar to 10 nm), size evolved from nano-scaled Fe-MIL-88b, were one-pot pyrolytically embedded in 3D porous N-rich graphene. Extra ORR catalytic activity with four-electron selectivity was achieved in an alkaline electrolyte. The onset and peak potential were 10 mV and 40 mV more positive, respectively, than commercial Pt/C.