Single-layer carbon-coated FeCo alloy nanoparticles embedded in single-walled carbon nanotubes for high oxygen electrocatalysis

Abstract

Herein, novel and durable single-layer carbon-coated FeCo alloy nanoparticles embedded in single-walled carbon nanotubes (FeCo/SWCNTs) are rationally synthesized using a facile one-step route by aerosol-assisted floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition (CCVD). The as-synthesized unique FeCo/SWCNT catalyst exhibits remarkable oxygen electrocatalysis performance, especially oxygen evolution reaction activity and superior stability owing to the efficient synergistic effect between FeCo alloy and single-layer carbon regarding the electronic interaction and surface protection, achieving an overpotential (η) of 253 mV at 10 mA cm⁻² and a Tafel slope of 44 mV dec⁻¹ in 1.0 M KOH solution while presenting outstanding stability after being tested for 50 hours. Such high oxygen electrocatalysis performance advances realistic renewable zinc–air batteries with high efficiency as well.