Ammonia-Treated FeNC Catalysts Prepared by Mechanochemical Synthesis as Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

We report here that the post-ammonia treatment on FeN x C materials on a large scale prepared by heat mechanochemical synthesis (HMCS) significantly enhances their catalytic performance for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline media. It was found that during post-processing, part of iron atoms dived into the shallow layers of the FeN x C material, producing underlying Fe 8 N nanoparticles. The resonance or transfer of electrons among the moieties of the composite, denoted FeN x C/Fe 8 N, endowed it with highly promoted catalytic activity. The results of characterization and theoretical calculations revealed the electron donor–acceptor effect between iron nitride species, and FeN x C efficiently elevated its catalytic properties, for example, for the use of batteries. The high-performance electroactive materials reliably prepared in large quantities are important for scale applications.