One-dimensional porous FeNC encapsulated Ag-Cu nanoparticles composite high-efficiency ORR catalysts

Fabricating efficient, stable, and cost-effective catalysts for the complex oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in Aluminum-air (Al-air) batteries remains significant challenges. Here, Ag-Cu nanoparticles/FeNC composite catalyst (Ag-Cu@FeNPC) was synthesized through electrostatic spinning technique, in which Ag-Cu nanoparticles are encapsulated in a one-dimensional porous FeNC carrier, successfully enabling the coexistence of highly active Ag-Cu nanoparticles and Fe-N_X coordination. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the downward shift of the Fe d-band center weakens oxygen intermediate adsorption, enhancing ORR activity. In alkaline electrolyte, the Ag-Cu@FeNPC catalyst demonstrates exceptional catalytic activity (E_1/2 = 0.91 V) and stability, attributed to the one-dimensional porous nanofiber structure with high electrical conductivity, large specific surface area, enriched micropore/mesopore hierarchical channels, and abundant active sites. With a remarkable power density of 209.46 mW cm^-2 exceeding Pt/C benchmarks, the material enables high-performance ORR catalysis in Al-air batteries, establishing an effective synthesis strategy.