Iron Nanoparticles Encapsulated in S,N-Codoped Carbon: Sulfur Doping Enriches Surface Electron Density and Enhances Electrocatalytic Activity toward Oxygen Reduction

Development of highly efficient nonprecious metal (NPM) catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in acidic media is challenging but of great significance. Herein, an effective ORR catalyst based on Fe nanoparticles encapsulated by S,N-codoped few-layer defective carbon (Fe@S,N-DC) was synthesized via a microwave-assisted strategy. The obtained Fe@S,N-DC nanocomposite showed a remarkable electrocatalytic activity toward ORR in acidic media, with a half-wave potential (E1/2) of +0.785 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, which was 80 mV more positive than that of the sulfur-free counterpart (Fe@N-DC). Furthermore, due to the protection by the S,N-codoped carbon shell, the Fe@S,N-DC nanocomposite displayed apparent stability with only a 13 mV negative shift of E1/2 after 10,000 cycles and excellent tolerance to methanol. X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy measurements confirmed the formation of multiple defective sites on the S,N-codoped carbon surface and strong interfacial electron transfer from the Fe core to the outer carbon surface, as compared to the sulfur-free counterpart. The enriched electron density on the defective carbon surface of Fe@S,N-DC, induced by the interfacial electron transfer, facilitated the reduction of O2 to OOH*, leading to enhanced ORR performance. These results shed light on the significance of S doping in Fe–N–C catalysts in the design of high-performance NPM catalysts for ORR in acidic media.