Synergistic regulation of different coordination shells of iron centers by sulfur and phosphorus enables efficient oxygen reduction in zinc-air batteries.

The modulation of the coordination environment of Fe-N active sites is crucial for enhancing the oxygen reduction catalytic activity of FeNC. However, comprehensively investigating the synergistic regulation of diverse coordination shells of Fe centers by various non-metallic heteroatoms poses a significant challenge. In this study, iron/sulfur/phosphorus/nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (FeNCSP) were synthesized through a two-step process that includes a solvothermal method followed by one-step calcination.