In-situ construction of C-S-Zn structures on Enteromorpha-based porous carbon for efficient oxygen reduction reaction

It is intriguing but still challenging to develop non-noble electrocatalysts with efficient catalytic centers to replace Pt-based ones for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in both alkaline and acidic conditions. Herein, newly C-S-Zn coordination-structured catalytic centers, originating from the strong interactions between autogenous ZnS and S-C defects, are constructed on Enteromorpha-based porous carbon by a simple pyrolysis and in-situ binding method. The experimental and computational results demonstrate that the C-S-Zn structures produce affluent defect sites and transfer more active electrons from Zn atom to graphite layer to capture and reduce O2, thus enhancing the ORR activities in both alkaline and acidic conditions. The in-situ assembly of C-S-Zn structures, micro/mesoporous architecture, and N/S-self-doped biocarbon represents an upgrading approach for the facile preparation of highly active ORR electrocatalysts from natural biomass.