Construction of hierarchical pores and pyridine nitrogen in a metal-free catalyst for efficient oxygen reduction reaction

Abstract

A N-doped metal-free catalyst, MTC-800, was constructed via a solution self-assembly and activation route using asphaltene as the carbon precursor. Its enhanced N-6/N-Q content and hierarchical pore structure synergistically boosted its ORR activity. Also, it delivered a high power density and specific capacity in a zinc–air battery.