Selenium-Enabled Proactive Defense Strategy to Construct Robust Fe−N−C Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Abstract

Fe−N−C materials, boasting exceptional catalytic activity, stand out as ideal candidates for replacing platinum-group metals in catalyzing the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, their stability is challenged by the attack of oxidative radicals generated from the incomplete reduction of H₂O₂. Inspired by the antioxidant mechanisms of natural organisms, Se dopants were introduced with antioxidant properties into the Fe−N−C materials to serve as effective H₂O₂ scavengers. Experimental results reveal that the Se-doped samples are capable of swiftly catalyzing the H₂O₂ disproportion decomposition, markedly diminishing the H₂O₂ yield and consequently decreasing the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, the incorporation of Se significantly enhances the corrosion resistance of the carbon substrate. Capitalizing on the synergistic impact detailed above, the series of Se-modified Fe−N−C catalysts all exhibit significantly superior stability compared to their undoped counterparts in acidic media. Our work provides a proactive defense strategy for enhancing the durability of the Fe−N−C catalysts and forges a novel route for the development of highly stable non-noble metal ORR catalysts.

Keywords

Electrochemistry / ORR / Durability / Heteroatom doping / Fe−N−C materials / Electrocatalysis / Single-atom catalysts / Hydrogen peroxide

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2025 SIOC, CAS, Shanghai, & WILEY-VCH GmbH