Self-supported bimodal-pore structured nitrogen-doped carbon fiber aerogel as electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction

• One-pot pyrolysis method to prepare self-supported N-doped carbon fiber aerogel from chitin.
• The aerogel possesses micro- and meso-pore bimodal structure and high surface area.
• The electrocatalyst shows a significant four-electron oxygen reduction process.
• The electrocatalyst shows more positive onset-potential towards oxygen reduction.
• The electrocatalyst exhibits outstanding electrocatalytic activity and stability.

Self-supported 3-dimensional (3D) nitrogen-doped bimodal-pore structured carbon fiber aerogel is synthesized via a facile carbonization process using prawn shells as the raw material. The fabricated N-doped carbon fiber aerogel possesses micro- and meso-porous pores with an N doping level of 5.9% and a high surface area of 526 m2 g− 1. As an electrocatalyst, the resultant N-doped carbon fiber aerogel exhibits superior electrocatalytic activity towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) with a more positive ORR onset-potential, better stability and high resistance to crossover effect compared to the commercial Pt/C electrocatalyst.