Architecting FeN_x on High Graphitization Carbon for High-Performance Oxygen Reduction by Regulating d-Band Center

Fe single atoms and N co-doped carbon nanomaterials (Fe-N-C) are the most promising oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts to replace platinum group metals. However, high-activity Fe single-atom catalysts suffer from poor stability owing to the low graphitization degree. Here, an effective phase-transition strategy is reported to enhance the stability of Fe-N-C catalysts by inducing increased degree of graphitization and incorporation of Fe nanoparticles encapsulated by graphitic carbon layer without sacrificing activity. Remarkably, the resulted Fe@Fe-N-C catalysts achieved excellent ORR activity (E_1/2  = 0.829 V) and stability (19 mV loss after 30K cycles) in acid media. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations agree with experimental phenomena that additional Fe nanoparticles not only favor to the activation of O₂ by tailoring d-band center position but also inhibit the demetallization of Fe active center from FeN₄ sites. This work provides a new insight into the rational design of highly efficient and durable Fe-N-C catalysts for ORR.