What is the Real Origin of the Activity of Fe–N–C Electrocatalysts in the O₂ Reduction Reaction? Critical Roles of Coordinating Pyrrolic N and Axially Adsorbing Species

Abstract

Fe-N-C electrocatalysts have emerged as promising substitutes for Pt-based catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, their real catalytic active site is still under debate. The underlying roles of different types of coordinating N including pyridinic and pyrrolic N in catalytic performance require thorough clarification. In addition, how to understand the pH-dependent activity of Fe-N-C catalysts is another urgent issue. Herein, we comprehensively studied 13 different N-coordinated FeN<i>_x</i>C configurations and their corresponding ORR activity through simulations which mimic the realistic electrocatalytic environment on the basis of constant-potential implicit solvent models. We demonstrate that coordinating pyrrolic N contributes to a higher activity than pyridinic N, and pyrrolic FeN₄C exhibits the highest activity in acidic media. Meanwhile, the <i>in situ</i> active site transformation to *O-FeN₄C and *OH-FeN₄C clarifies the origin of the higher activity of Fe-N-C in alkaline media. These findings can provide indispensable guidelines for rational design of better durable Fe-N-C catalysts.