Highly Functional Bioinspired Fe/N/C Oxygen Reduction Reaction Catalysts: Structure-Regulating Oxygen Sorption

Abstract

Tuna is one of the most rapid and distant swimmers. Its unique gill structure with the porous lamellae promotes fast oxygen exchange that guarantees tuna’s high metabolic and athletic demands. Inspired by this specific structure, we designed and fabricated microporous graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs)-based Fe/N/C electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Careful control of GNP structure leads to the increment of microporosity, which influences the O₂ adsorption positively and desorption oppositely, resulting in enhanced O₂ diffusion, while experiencing reduced ORR kinetics. Working in the cathode of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells, the GNP catalysts require a compromise between adsorption/desorption for effective O₂ exchange, and as a result, appropriate microporosity is needed. In this work, the highest power density, 521 mW·cm^–2, at zero back pressure is achieved