Self-template synthesis of Fe/N-doped carbon nanotubes as a highly efficient and stable electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction

In fuel cells and metal-air batteries, the sluggish kinetics of cathodic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) seriously limits the energy conversion and storage efficiency. Among the nonprecious metal catalysts (NPMCs), iron–nitrogen-carbon (Fe[sbnd]N[sbnd]C) is regarded as the potential next generation ORR catalysts. However, the complex experimental process of doping reaction retards their practical application. Herein, we report a Fe-N-doped hollow carbon nanotube which is prepared by self-template method. By adjusting the ratio of methyl orange (MO)/pyrrole (Py), the morphology of MO-FeCl₃ template can be controlled readily. The results show that the Fe/N-CNT-0.1 composite exhibits superior ORR catalytic activity to the 20% Pt/C in alkaline electrolyte.