The N-anchoring effect in NH2-functionalized MOF-derived iron–carbon nanomaterials for oxygen reduction

Abstract

The incorporation of an iron source into NH₂-MOF-5, followed by thermal decomposition, yields a porous metal–carbon catalyst (MOF5A-Fe@NC). This catalyst possesses significant N content, a high degree of graphitization, and abundant Fe–N_x sites, which contribute to enhanced oxygen reduction. Specifically, the obtained MOF5A-Fe@NC demonstrates a positive onset potential (0.972 V), a substantial limiting current density (4.815 mA cm⁻²), and a small Tafel slope (58.7 mV dec⁻¹), and maintains a high current retention of 96.3% after 10 hours.