Carbon network framework derived iron-nitrogen co-doped carbon nanotubes for enhanced oxygen reduction reaction through metal salt-assisted polymer blowing strategy

High cost and supply shortage greatly limit the actual application of platinum (Pt)-based catalysts in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). This study reports a top-down strategy for fabrication of iron-nitrogen co-doped carbon nanotubes (Fe-N-CNTs-800) electrocatalyst through metal salt-assisted polymer (polyvinylpyrrolidone) in situ chemical blowing and following by pyrolysis strategy. Newly-designed Fe-N-CNTs-800 catalysts possessed large specific surface area, high nitrogen content, and excellent structural stability. Compared with commercially available platinum carbon (Pt/C) electrocatalysts, the Fe-N-CNTs-800 catalysts exhibited outstanding catalytic performance toward ORR in alkaline. The synergistic effect between iron-nitrogen doped and porous nanotubes structures results in the higher catalytic activity, remarkable resistance to methanol, and good stability for Fe-N-CNT-800 catalyst. This work has certain guiding significance for the future design of nanostructure engineering and the fabrication of highly efficient inexpensive catalysts to substitute of Pt-based electrocatalysts in ORR.