Fe3+ Stabilized 3d Cross-linked Glycine-melamine Formaldehyde Networks as Precursor for Highly Efficient Oxygen Reduction Catalyst in Alkaline Media

Abstract

Development of inexpensive oxygen reduction electrocatalyst with high activity and durability is very important. Herein, iron carbide encapsulated pod-like graphitic carbon structures were prepared by simple pyrolysis involving Fe-glycine complex integrated melamine–formaldehyde resin precursor. The best catalyst among those studied, Fe-Gly 2 MF-C, possessing high degree of graphitization (ID/IG = 0.99) and enhanced specific surface area (205 m2/g) exhibited the highest ORR activity with a half-wave potential of 0.80 V in alkaline medium through the four-electron reduction pathway.