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. This review systemically summarized recent development of electrospun nanomaterials for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), providing in-depth understanding in the design of ORR electrocatalysts (heteroatom doped CNFs, TM/CNFs composites and carbon-free nanofibers) with abundant active sites, great electroactivity, superior conductivity, good durability and high selectivity. • Recent progress in developing elelctrospun nanofibers as effective ORR electrocatalysts is discussed. • The synthesis strategies, structure-property relationships, and reaction mechanisms of electrospun nanofibers are emphasized. • Future perspectives, challenges of electrospun nanomaterials for promoting ORR electrocatalysis are proposed.