Promoting interfacial charge transfer by B/N co-doping enables efficient ORR catalysis of carbon-encapsulated Fe2N

High efficiency and durability are two key targets for developing electrochemical catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Here, B/N co-doped porous carbon shell-encapsulated Fe2N nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized as an active and durable catalyst (Fe2N@BNC) for ORR. Introduction of the B dopant promotes the doping of the N element, amends the carbon shell, and induces the conversion of pyrrolic nitrogen into C-N-B. This immensely promotes the electron transfer from the encapsulated Fe2N NPs to the carbon surface, tailors the electronic structure of the carbon shell, and therefore improves the ORR activity of the inert carbon. The optimized electrocatalyst Fe2N@BNC-2 achieved remarkable activity and durability for ORR, which was even better than that of Com. Pt/C (20 wt% Pt).

Automated summary

The study synthesized B/N co-doped porous carbon shell-encapsulated Fe2N nanoparticles as a highly efficient and durable catalyst for ORR. The introduction of B dopant improved N element doping, amended the carbon shell, and enhanced electron transfer efficiency from Fe2N NPs to the carbon surface.