Synthesis of shell/core structural nitrogen-doped carbon/silicon carbide and its electrochemical properties as a cathode catalyst for fuel cells

A shell/core structural N-doped carbon/silicon carbide (N-doped C/SiC) was prepared by two-steps: pre-carbonization and N doping process. The first step was carried out on nano-SiC using acid etching method. Nanoporous amorphous carbons were formed on the surface of SiC after acid etching, which could make it easy to adsorb N source and reduce the energy needed in the next step. The prepared N-doped C/SiC exhibited a high durability and a good catalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction.