N, S co‐doped carbon nanotubes loaded with Cu nanoclusters for efficient oxygen reduction reaction

Developing highly superior precious‐metal‐free electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are challenging and great significance. In this study, it is reported that an efficient ORR catalysts with N and S co‐doped carbon nanotubes anchored to copper (Cu) nanoclusters by mechanical grinding and high temperature heat treatment. The obtained Cu‐S1‐N‐C electrocatalysts exhibited a high ORR performance with an onset potential (Eonest) of 0.989 V and a half‐wave potential (E1/2) of 0.905 V (vs. RHE) in alkaline electrolyte, which was superior to that of commercial Pt/C catalyst. In contrast to N doping alone, the defect structures and active species of the catalysts were optimized by precise modulation of S‐atom doping, and moreover, the introduction of S‐atoms provided more thiophene‐sulfur active sites. This study provides an innovative idea for designing excellent ORR catalysts.