Direct synthesis of platinum group metal-free Fe-N-C catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline media

•Direct, template free synthesis of a novel and active graphitic Fe-N-C catalyst.•Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid ferric sodium salt used as a low cost precursor.•Effects of structural properties on catalytic activity in alkaline media are studied.

A direct, template-free synthesis of a novel, active Fe-N-C oxygen reduction reaction catalyst by the pyrolysis of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid ferric sodium salt is demonstrated. Detailed physical characterization of the catalyst is carried out by surface area measurement, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy in addition to electrochemical analysis using Rotating Ring Disk Electrode measurements. We study the effects of synthesis temperature on graphitization, surface area and their concurrent effects on the catalytic performance of the final products.

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