Perfectly ordered mesoporous iron-nitrogen doped carbon as highly efficient catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction in both alkaline and acidic electrolytes. (June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tan, Haibo; Li, Yunqi; Jiang, Xiangfen; Tang, Jing; Wang, Zhongli; Qian, Huayu; Mei, Peng; Malgras, Victor; Bando, Yoshio; Yamauchi, Yusuke
• Is Part Of: Nano energy. Volume 36(2017:Jun.)
• Page Start: 286
• Page End: 294
• Publication Date: 2017-06
• Subjects: Mesoporous carbons -- Iron-nitrogen-doped carbon -- Electrocatalysts -- Oxygen reduction reaction -- Soft-templates; Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanostructured materials -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Nanoscience; Nanostructured materials; Nanotechnology; Power resources -- Technological innovations; Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2017.04.014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-2855

Abstract

Abstract: Non-precious iron-nitrogen doped carbon material (Fe-N/C) is the most promising candidate to replace platinum-based catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) taking place at the cathode in fuel cells. In this study, three-dimensionally (3D) ordered mesoporous Fe-N/C with open porous structure is successfully synthesized. The obtained shape is a rhombic dodecahedron which corresponds to a single mesoporous crystal with body-centered cubic structure ( Im- 3 m ). By applying an optimal post-treatment of NH3 activation, a high content of beneficial pyridinic nitrogen can be doped while maintaining the ordered mesoporous architecture with high surface area and large pore volume. Our mesoporous Fe-N/C greatly promotes ORR performance with a high onset potential of 1.018 V and limited-diffusion current density of 5.98 mA cm −2 in alkaline electrolyte. Interestingly, this mesoporous Fe-N/C also shows good ORR catalytic activity in acidic condition with onset potential and limited-diffusion current density as high as 0.935 V and 5.60 mA cm -2, respectively. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Non-precious platinum-based catalysts is proposed for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Ordered mesoporous Fe-N/C with open porous structure is successfully synthesized. Single mesoporous crystals with body-centered cubic structure are obtained. A post-treatment of NH3 activation increase a high content of beneficial pyridinic nitrogen. Our mesoporous catalysts greatly promote ORR performance in alkaline and acidic electrolytes.