Coordination regulated pyrolysis synthesis of ultrafine FeNi/(FeNi)9S8 nanoclusters/nitrogen, sulfur-codoped graphitic carbon nanosheets as efficient bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts

Design of advanced carbon nanomaterials with high-efficiency oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activities is still imperative yet challenging for searching green and renewable energies. Herein, we synthesized ultrafine FeNi/(FeNi)(9)S-8 nanoclusters encapsulated in nitrogen, sulfur-codoped graphitic carbon nanosheets (FeNi/(FeNi)(9)S-8/N,S-CNS) by coordination regulated pyrolyzing the mixture of the metal precursors, dithizone and g-C3N4 at 800 degrees C. The as-prepared FeNi/(FeNi)(9)S-8/N,S-CNS exhibited distinct electrocatalytic activity and stability for the ORR with positive onset (E-onset) and half-wave (E1/2) potentials (E-onset = 0.97 V; E-1/2 = 0.86 V) and OER with the small overpotential (eta = 283 mV) at 10 mA cm(-2) in the alkaline media, outperforming commercial Pt/C and RuO2 catalysts. This research provides some constructive guidelines for preparing efficient, low-cost and stable nanocatalysts for electrochemical energy devices. (C) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Herein, ultrafine FeNi/(FeNi)₉S-₈ nanoclusters encapsulated in nitrogen, sulfur-codoped graphitic carbon nanosheets (FeNi/(FeNi)₉S-₈/N,S-CNS) were synthesized. The as-prepared nanoclusters showed excellent electrocatalytic activity and stability for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER).