A Facile Method for the Generation of FeC Nanoparticle and Fe-N Active Site in Carbon Matrix to Achieve Good Oxygen Reduction Reaction Electrochemical Performances.

Introduction of both nitrogen and transition metal elements into the carbon materials has demonstrated to be a promising strategy to construct highly active electrode materials for energy shortage. In this work, through the coordination reaction between Fe and 1,3,5-tris(4-aminophenyl)benzene, metallosupramolecular polymer precursors are designed for the preparation of carbon flakes co-doped with both Fe and N elements. The asprepared carbon flakes display wrinkled edges and comprise FeC nanoparticle and active site of Fe-N. These carbon materials exhibit excellent electrocatalytic performance. Towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), the optimized sample has E and E of 0.93 V and 0.83 V in alkaline system, respectively, which are very close to that of Pt/C. This approach may offer a new way to high performance and lowcost electrochemical catalysts.