Template-assisted conversion of aniline nanopolymers into non-precious metal FeN/C electrocatalysts for highly efficient oxygen reduction reaction
Developing high-performance noble-metal-free electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is the key to the commercialization of fuel cells. Here we use a Fe (III)-modified montmorillonite (Fe-MMT) as a solid-state flat-template to synthesize iron and nitrogen-doped carbon electrocatalysts (...
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Published in | Journal of alloys and compounds Vol. 686; pp. 874 - 882 |
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Main Authors | , , , , , , , , , , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
Elsevier B.V
25.11.2016
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Subjects | |
Online Access | Get full text |
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Summary: | Developing high-performance noble-metal-free electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is the key to the commercialization of fuel cells. Here we use a Fe (III)-modified montmorillonite (Fe-MMT) as a solid-state flat-template to synthesize iron and nitrogen-doped carbon electrocatalysts (FeN/C-PANI) for the ORR derived from thermal conversion of aniline nanopolymer at controlled temperatures. The utilization of flat template can hinder thermal agglomeration of aniline nanopolymer and optimize the nitrogen-containing active site density on the surface. We find that this catalyst exhibits a similar ORR electrocatalytic activity with an onset potential of 0.99 V (versus RHE), a major four-electron reaction pathway and a higher stability compared to the state-of-the-art 20 wt% Pt/C catalyst in alkaline medium. Besides, the ORR half-wave potential measured on our catalyst is only 10 mV lower than that on a Pt/C catalyst. Electrochemical poisoning experiments also confirm that the Fe-Nx group inside the FeN/C-PANI can improve the ORR activity and may be one of key components of active sites. The pyrrolic-N species may be mainly responsible for the ORR catalytic activity and may be another essential component of active sites. This study opens a new way to rationally design inexpensive and highly-efficient ORR catalysts by using simple flat compounds as a direct template.
•FeN/C-PANI fabricated by a flat-template is firstly used as an ORR catalyst.•The utilization of flat-template helps to hamper agglomeration of ANI nanopolymer.•FeN/C-PANI exhibits excellent ORR electrocatalytic activity and high stability.•The Fe-N and pyrrolic-N species may be key components of catalytically active sites. |
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ISSN: | 0925-8388 1873-4669 |
DOI: | 10.1016/j.jallcom.2016.06.243 |