Facile Synthesis of Fe3 C@Graphene Hybrid Nanorods as an Efficient and Robust Catalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Robust and efficient catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are required for the development of various energy storage and conversion devices. In this study, a durable and high-performance Fe3 C@graphene ORR catalyst has been developed by the carbonization of urea- and agar-modified Fe2 O3 nanorods. The influence of the carbonization temperature and annealing time on the activity and stability of the resulting Fe/C catalyst was studied in detail. The Fe/C catalyst synthesized at a temperature of 700 °C (holding time: 60 min) showed better ORR activity and improved stability compared to a commercial Pt/C catalyst. The improved ORR catalytic activity of the catalyst is due to its high Fe3 C content and its good durability results from the unique microstructure of the Fe3 C@graphene hybrid.