The synthesis of Fe@CNT-Fe/N/C catalyst and application for oxygen reduction reaction on fuel cell

Abstract

Metal-nitrogen/carbon (Me-N/C) coordination is the most alternative to Pt/C catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In this work, we utilized carbon nanotube (CNT) as carriers, synthesized Fe@CNT-Fe/N/C via high temperature. The Fe@CNT-Fe/N/C catalyst has a tubular structure, which can well coat the metal particles in the tube, protect the metal particles from corrosion by the acidic solution, and maintain the long-term effectiveness of the catalyst. Fe-N_x and Fe₃C structures are the ORR active centers of the catalyst, and Fe-N_x and Fe₃C coexist to promote the oxygen reduction reaction activity. The as-prepared catalyst possesses high ORR catalytic activity as well as good stability.

Keywords:

• Fuel cell
• Fe@CNT-Fe/N/C catalyst
• oxygen reduction reaction

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.21473063).