Co, Fe decorated N, S co-doped porous carbon enables high stability for the oxygen reduction reaction

Fabricating highly competent and cost-effective catalysts is essential for promoting the sluggish kinetics associated with the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Herein, a new type of Fe, Co decorated porous carbon composite catalyst co-doped with S and N (FeCo-SNC) was prepared by a simple carbonization process. Interestingly, FeCo-SNC inherits not only the pore structure but also the large surface area of the ZIF-67 dodecahedron. Furthermore, the electronic configuration of the two catalytic centers in Fe-N-C and Co-NC was customized. On the basis of synergetic coordination between the two active sites, the fabricated FeCo-SNC showed prior stability for the ORR even after 10 000 cycles of cyclic voltammetry measurement, besides the great limiting current density of 5.99 mA cm⁻² and high half potential of 0.856 V (vs. reversible hydrogen electrode), surpassing the commercially available Pt/C catalyst. Moreover, the primary active site of Fe-N-C was regulated, providing the highest catalytic activity for the ORR. This research offers a new perspective on enhancing carbon-based catalysts for the ORR without relying on precious metals and introduces a strategic method for controlling active centers.