The self-template synthesis of highly efficient hollow structure Fe/N/C electrocatalysts with Fe-N coordination for the oxygen reduction reaction.

The exploration of highly efficient catalysts to replace noble metal platinum for the oxygen reduction reaction, on which M/N/C catalysts have shed brilliant light, is greatly significant but challenging. This paper presents a strategy for synthesizing highly efficient and stabilized hollow structure Fe/N/C catalysts with iron and nitrogen doped into the carbon layer by the self-template method. The prepared Fe/N/C catalysts with NaCl protection during pyrolysis are characterized by a unique hollow structure, porous morphology and Fe-N coordination as the active sites, all of which significantly endow the materials with excellent properties towards the ORR, including high electrical conductivity, long-term durability and outstanding capacity for methanol tolerance.