Edge-hosted Fe-N3 sites on a multiscale porous carbon framework combining high intrinsic activity with efficient mass transport for oxygen reduction

Metal- and nitrogen-coordinated nanocarbons (M-N/Cs) represent the most promising nonprecious catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), but it remains challenging to simultaneously achieve high intrinsic activity, fast mass transport, efficient utilization of active sites in a single catalyst. Herein, we design an Fe-N/C catalyst consisting edge-hosted Fe-N3 dispersed on multiscale porous carbon frameworks (eFe-N3/PCF). The low coordination edge effect moieties endow eFe-N3/PCF with while enriched nanopores enable improved transport atom efficiency. When evaluated by rotating disk electrode base, presents early-onset half-wave potentials 1.090 0.934 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, respectively. Furthermore, when employed as gas diffusion electrodes, displays excellent mass-transport efficiency that enables high-rate/power capabilities at practically current densities. This work opens up opportunities designing high-performance ORR electrocatalysts toward applications diverse energy conversion storage technologies.