In-situ self-templated preparation of porous core-shell Fe_(1-x)S@N,S co-doped carbon architecture for highly efficient oxygen reduction reaction

Transition metal compound(TMC)/carbon hybrids,as prospering electrocatalyst,have attracted great attention in the field of oxygen reduction reaction(ORR).Their morphology,structure and composition often play a crucial role in determining the ORR performance.In this work,we for the first time report the successful fabrication of porous core-shell Fe_(1-x)S@N,S co-doped carbon(Fe_(1-x)S@NSC-t,t represents etching time) by a novel in-situ self-template induced strategy using Fe_3O_4 nanospheres and pyrrole as sacrificial self-template.The post-polymerization of pyrrole can be accomplished by the Fe~(3+) released through the etching of Fe_3O_4 by HCl acid.Thus,the etching time has a significant effect on the morphology,structure,composition a nd ORR performance of Fe_(1-x)S@NSC-t.Based on the cha racterizations,we find Fe_(1-x)S@NSC-24 can realize effective and balanced combination of Fe_(1-x)S and NSC,possessing porous core-shell architecture,optimized structure defect,specific surface area and doped heteroatoms configurations(especially for pyridinic N,graphitic N and Fe-N structure).These features thus lead to outstanding catalytic activity and cycling stability towards ORR.Our work provides a good guidance on the design of TMC/carbon-based electrodes with unique stable morphology and optimized structure and composition.