Heterostructural Interface in Fe<sub>3</sub>C-TiN Quantum Dots Boosts Oxygen Reduction Reaction for Al–Air Batteries
Kaiqi Li, Chuqing Wang, Huanxin Li, Yongliang Wen, Fei Wang, Qingyue Xue, Zhongyuan Huang, Chaopeng Fu
Abstract
Oxygen reduction electrocatalysts play important roles in metal–air batteries. Herein, Fe3C-TiN heterostructural quantum dots loaded on carbon nanotubes (FCTN@CNTs) are prepared as electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) through a one-pot pyrolysis. The Fe3C-TiN quantum dots with a diameter of 2–5 nm show the unique characteristic of heterostructural interface. The as-prepared FCTN@CNTs display Pt/C comparable ORR performance (Eonset 1.06 and E1/2 0.95 V) in alkaline medium, which is ascribed to the heterostructural interface between TiN and Fe3C. Furthermore, the Al–air batteries with the FCTN@CNT catalyst display superior discharge performance, demonstrating good feasibility for practical application. This work provides an effective new method to synthesize affordable and efficient oxygen reduction reaction catalysts.