MXene boosted metal-organic framework-derived Fe–N–C as an efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reactions

Iron-nitrogen-carbon (Fe–N–C) electrocatalysts offer great promise to replace their noble metal-based counterparts for oxygen reduction reactions (ORR). However, the practical applications of this type of catalyst are hindered by insufficient accessible active sies, low electrical conductivity, and poor durability. Here, we report a Ti3C2 MXene supported metal-organic framework (MOF)-derived Fe–N–C (Fe-Nx/N/Ti3C2) catalyst to simultaneously address the issues. Owing to the negatively charged characteristics, NH2-MIL-53(Fe) is firmly anchored on Ti3C2 MXene, which not only serves as a conductive substrate to alleviate the collapse and agglomeration of MOFs during the pyrolysis, but also modulates the electronic properties of active FeNx sites to improve the electrocatalytic activity and stability. As a result, the as-prepared Fe-Nx/N/Ti3C2 catalyst exhibits superb ORR activity and long-term stability in both alkaline and acidic electrolytes.