Microwave-assisted synthesis and prototype oxygen reduction electrocatalyst application of N-doped carbon-coated Fe₃O₄ nanorods

Fe₃O₄ nanorods coated with nitrogen-doped mesoporous carbon (ND-Fe₃O₄@mC) shells of defined thicknesses have been prepared via a new microwave-assisted approach. Microstructural characterization of these ND-Fe₃O₄@mC structures was performed using x-ray diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Following identification, the electrochemical performance of the catalysts was evaluated using linear sweep voltammetry with a rotating disc electrode system. The present investigation reveals enhanced oxygen reduction reaction catalytic activity and the carbon layer thickness influences oxygen diffusion to the active Fe₃O₄ nanorod core. (paper)