Fe@N-Graphene Nanoplatelet-Embedded Carbon Nanofibers as Efficient Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

The development of highly active and stable catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is an important task in the practical application of metal-air batteries and fuel cells. [ 1-5 ] Although Pt and its alloys are considered the most effective electrocatalysts, having high intrinsic catalytic activity toward ORR, [ 6-9 ] they suffer from drawbacks of high cost and poor long-term stability, which hinder the commercial expansion of Pt-loaded batteries. In this regard, precious metal-free catalysts such as carbon materials, [ 10-13 ] transition metal oxides, [ 14-17 ] and perovskite oxides [ 18,19 ] have been investigated as alternatives for the air electrode of metal-air batteries. © 2015 The Authors.