Noble-metal-free electrospun nanomaterials as electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction

Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a core reaction of fuel cells and the fabrication of ORR electrocatalysts to improve the cathodic reaction has attracted wide attention. Electrospun nanomaterials with outstanding chemical stability and structural diversity are promising electrocatalysts toward the ORR. In this review, we systemically summarize recent progress in developing noble-metal-free elelctrospun nanomaterials as effective ORR electrocatalysts. Heteroatom-doped carbon nanofibers (CNFs), transition metal/CNFs composites, and carbon-free nanofibers are discussed with the synthesis strategies, structure-property relationships, and reaction mechanisms. We also propose the future perspectives, challenges and research directions of electrospun nanomaterials for promoting ORR electrocatalysis. (c) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.