Heteroatom-Anchored Porous Carbon as Efficient Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Transition-metal/heteroatom-doped carbon exhibits exceptional oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalytic activity in alkaline electrolytes, which is expected to replace noble metals as fuel cell cathode catalysts. The ORR activity of catalysts can be further improved by enriching active sites and enhancing the intrinsic activity of catalysts. Herein, phosphorus-rich porous polyaniline (P-PANi) gel is used as a precursor during heat treatment, and the characteristics of low boiling point (about 200 degrees C) and steric hindrance of ferrocene are introduced to synthesize high-dispersion iron-doped graphite catalysts. A series of as-synthesized Fe-N/P/C catalysts were obtained at various heat treatment temperatures. Fe-N/P/C-850 manifests the highest ORR activity and electrochemical stability, with an onset potential of 1.06 V and a half-wave potential of 0.86 V. The enhanced activity of Fe-N/P/C-850 is mostly attributed to the P-C junction due to the combination of phosphorus and carbon.

Automated summary

Transition-metal/heteroatom-doped carbon exhibits exceptional ORR catalytic activity in alkaline electrolytes. Phosphorus-rich porous polyaniline gel is used as a precursor to synthesize high-dispersion iron-doped graphite catalysts. Fe-N/P/C-850, synthesized at a heat treatment temperature of 850 degrees Celsius, demonstrates the highest ORR activity and electrochemical stability.