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

Fe-N x 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 ZrO 2 clusters and the promotion of O 2 adsorption by ZrO 2 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 carbon-based electrocatalysts. • Zr, Fe, N, S co-doped carbon-based catalyst derived from Ionic Liquids a simple method. • The catalysts possesses high active sites and porous structure. • The interaction between Fe and Zr and the abundant active group substances could greatly improve the basic ORR activity.