One-step complexation and self-template strategy to synthesis bimetal Fe/Mn–N doped interconnected hierarchical porous carbon for enhancing catalytic oxygen reduction reaction

Currently, it is still a challenge in the research of fuel cells and zinc-air battery to use a facile method to prepare efficient and low-cost cathode oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts to replace the precious metal Pt-based catalyst. Herein, we reported a one-step complexation of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium (EDTA-2Na) with transition metals (M) and self-template strategy to synthesis an bimetal Fe/Mn–N doped interconnected hierarchical porous carbon material for efficient catalytic ORR. In addition to being a carbon source, EDTA-2Na can very well fix M atoms in the carbon precursory by complexation, which is beneficial for M atoms to be anchored in the carbon structure by N atoms, thus forming the M-Nx catalytic active site. During pyrolysis, meanwhile, Na ions in EDTA-2Na not only acted as self-template to form the interconnected porous structure but also separated M atoms from each other, which also suppressed the aggregation and growth of the M atoms. More importantly, the prepared bimetal Fe/Mn–N doped interconnected hierarchical porous carbon (Fe/Mn–NIHPC) showed better catalytic ORR performance (half-wave potentials of 0.86 V vs. RHE) than those prepared by single metal elements (Fe or Mn). And Fe/Mn–NIHPC also exhibited better catalytic ORR activity and durability, compared with the Pt/C (20 wt%) catalyst.