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N‐Doped 3D Carbon Aerogel with Trace Fe as an Efficient Catalyst for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Author(s) -
Wang Qichen,
Chen Zhiyan,
Wu Nan,
Wang Bing,
He Wei,
Lei Yongpeng,
Wang Yingde
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
chemelectrochem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.182
H-Index - 59
ISSN - 2196-0216
DOI - 10.1002/celc.201600799
Subject(s) - aerogel , pyrolysis , catalysis , carbon fibers , methanol , oxygen , materials science , oxygen reduction reaction , chemical engineering , doping , inorganic chemistry , chemistry , nanotechnology , electrochemistry , organic chemistry , electrode , composite material , composite number , optoelectronics , engineering
The development of highly efficient, stable, and low‐cost oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts is urgently required. Herein, a three‐dimensional (3D) N‐doped carbon aerogel with trace Fe (ca. 0.60 wt%) was synthesized by using carbon aerogel as the main raw material with facile KOH activation and a solid‐state pyrolysis technique. The pyrolysis temperature and trace amount of Fe play crucial roles in the ORR activity. The optimal product (Fe−N‐CA‐800) displayed onset and half‐potentials of 0.918 and 0.798 V in alkaline solution and 0.801 and 0.592 V in acidic media, respectively. Besides, the methanol crossover effect and long‐term stability for Fe−N‐CA‐800 were better than those of Pt/C. Furthermore, the Fe‐N x sites were proven to be the main ORR catalytic sites by using SCN − . The robust 3D structure with hierarchical pores, unique chemical composition, and uniform Fe‐N x active sites contributed to the superior ORR performance. The low‐cost and efficient Fe−N‐CA‐800 catalyst presents potential in fuel cells and metal‐air batteries.