Fe–N–C electrocatalysts in the oxygen and nitrogen cycles in alkaline media: the role of iron carbide‡
Literature Information
Tomer Y. Burshtein, Denial Aias, Jin Wang, Matan Sananis, Eliyahu M. Farber, Oz M. Gazit, Ilya Grinberg, David Eisenberg
Fe–N–C electrocatalysts hold a great promise for Pt-free energy conversion, driving the electrocatalysis of oxygen reduction and evolution, oxidation of nitrogen fuels, and reduction of N2, CO2, and NOx. Nevertheless, the catalytic role of iron carbide, a component of nearly every pyrolytic Fe–N–C material, is at the focus of a heated controversy. We now resolve the debate by examining a broad range of Fe3C sites, spanning across many typical size distributions and carbon environments. Removing Fe3C selectively by a non-oxidizing acid reveals its inactivity towards two representative reactions in alkaline media, oxygen reduction and hydrazine oxidation. The activity is assigned to other pre-existing sites, most probably Fe–Nx. DFT calculations prove that the Fe3C surface binds O and N intermediates too strongly to be catalytic. By settling the argument on the catalytic role of Fe3C in alkaline electrocatalysis, we hope to spur innovation in this critical field.
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Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics

Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics (PCCP) is an international journal co-owned by 19 physical chemistry and physics societies from around the world. This journal publishes original, cutting-edge research in physical chemistry, chemical physics and biophysical chemistry. To be suitable for publication in PCCP, articles must include significant innovation and/or insight into physical chemistry; this is the most important criterion that reviewers and Editors will judge against when evaluating submissions. The journal has a broad scope and welcomes contributions spanning experiment, theory, computation and data science. Topical coverage includes spectroscopy, dynamics, kinetics, statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, catalysis, surface science, quantum mechanics, quantum computing and machine learning. Interdisciplinary research areas such as polymers and soft matter, materials, nanoscience, energy, surfaces/interfaces, and biophysical chemistry are welcomed if they demonstrate significant innovation and/or insight into physical chemistry. Joined experimental/theoretical studies are particularly appreciated when complementary and based on up-to-date approaches.












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