Zr enhanced Fe, N, S co-doped carbon-based catalyst for high-efficiency oxygen reduction reaction

Fe-Nx catalysts have received widespread attention in recent years due to their excellent catalytic performance, hoping to replace platinum for oxygen reduction reactions (ORR). In recent years, more studies have shown that when the catalyst contains two or more metals doped, its catalytic performance will be improved. Herein, using the high temperature pyrolysis method, through the incorporation of the second phase metal (Zr), melamine as the nitrogen source, and thiourea as the sulfur source, a high-activity carbon-based catalyst doped with Fe and Zr bimetals was synthesized. Originating from the strong interaction between Fe species and ZrO2 clusters and the promotion of O2 adsorption by ZrO2 nanoparticles supported on nitrogen-doped carbon, this catalyst has a better ORR electrocatalytic performance than 46% TKK commercial platinum carbon in 0.1 M KOH, exhibiting an onset potential of 1.047 V vs RHE, a half-wave potential of 0.909 V vs RHE. It provides a new idea for the preparation of high-performance bimetallic-doped carbonbased electrocatalysts. (c) 2021 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.