Three-Dimensional Nanostructure of N-Doped Fe–C from Metal-Organic Framework for Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Developing cost-effective and efficient non-precious metal oxygen reduction catalysts (ORRs) is crucial for advancing renewable energy technologies. This study reports the synthesis and characterization of a novel non-precious metal catalyst, N–C–Fe-600, synthesized via a simple two-step method. Pyrolysis of NH 2 –MIL-88(Fe) under an inert atmosphere, followed by acidic treatment, yielded a porous N–C–Fe-600 material featuring a high surface area and a substantial concentration of active Fe–N x sites. Electrochemical characterization revealed that N–C–Fe-600 exhibits ORR activity comparable to commercial Pt/C catalysts, along with significantly enhanced stability and methanol tolerance. The catalyst demonstrates a near-ideal four-electron transfer pathway, suggesting its potential as a viable alternative to platinum-based catalysts in fuel cells.