MnO nanoparticles loaded on three-dimensional N-doped carbon as highly efficient electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline media

It is very important to develop non-noble metal electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) to replace noble metal electrocatalysts to promote the large-scale application of fuel cells. Here, three-dimensional (3D) N-doped carbon supported MnO nanoparticles (MnO/NC) are prepared by two-step pyrolysis method. The MnO/NC performs excellent catalytic activity comparable to 20% Pt/C for ORR, for instance, a positive onset potential (0.92 V), half-wave potential (0.82 V) and peak potential (0.76 V). The MnO/NC shows a strong tolerance to methanol and long-term stability in an alkaline media. The high ORR activity of MnO/NC owes to its unique property of fast electron transport, high specific surface areas and the synergistic effect between MnO and 3D NC support. This study projects an innovative strategy to construct electrocatalysts of 3D structure composites, which is expected to offer efficient non-noble metal electrocatalysts for ORR. • 3D N-doped carbon loaded MnO is prepared via encapsulation and pyrolysis process. • 3D N-doped carbon loaded MnO shows good activity and long-term durability for ORR. • The synergistic effect between MnO and NC enhances catalytic activity for ORR.