Efficient hierarchically synthesized Fe2P nanoparticles embedded in an N,P-doped mesoporous carbon catalyst for the oxygen reduction reactionElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Detailed and additional figures as noted in the text. See DOI: 10.1039/c8nj00380g

• Main Authors: Li, Guang-Lan, Yuan, Li-Fang, Chen, Wen-Wen, Yang, Bei-Bei, Liu, Cai-Di, Cheng, Guang-Chun, Xu, Xiao-Cun, Hao, Ce
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 11.06.2018
• ISSN: 1144-0546; 1369-9261
• DOI: 10.1039/c8nj00380g

The construction of nonprecious metal catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is highly desirable but remains as a key challenge for fuel cells and metal-air batteries. Herein, we designed and synthesized novel Fe 2 P nanoparticles embedded in an N,P co-doped mesoporous carbon catalyst (Fe 2 P/NPC) through direct pyrolysis of o -methylaniline in the presence of FeCl 3 ·6H 2 O, H 3 PO 4 , silica nanospheres, and hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) micelles. Transmission electron microscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements demonstrated that the obtained three-dimensional mesoporous Fe 2 P/NPC catalyst possessed a considerable specific surface area of 785 m 2 g −1 with high contents of Fe 2 P nanoparticles, pyridinic N, and graphitic N species. Electrochemical evaluations showed that the formed Fe 2 P/NPC exhibited superior ORR performance to Pt/C in terms of a comparable onset potential (−0.01 V vs. Ag/AgCl electrode), about 20 mV higher half-wave potential, excellent stability and remarkable methanol tolerance in alkaline media. The synergistic effect of pyridinic N, graphitic N and Fe 2 P species together with its three-dimensional porous structure contribute to the impressive ORR performance. This research, most importantly, provides new clues to the rational development of cost-effective FeP x -based catalysts for the ORR. Novel Fe 2 P nanoparticles encapsulated in an N,P-doped three-dimensional porous carbon catalyst were synthesized and displayed excellent ORR performance.