PVP-Directed MOF-Derived Fe–N–C Catalysts: Toward High-Performance and Sustainable PEM Fuel Cell Cathodes

Abstract

The urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and transition toward cleaner energy systems has intensified the search for electrocatalysts that are both efficient and resource-sustainable. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), powered by the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), represent a key technology in this shift, but their reliance on platinum-group metals (PGMs) limits large-scale deployment. Single-atom Fe–N–C catalysts have emerged as promising PGM-free alternatives in acidic electrolytes, offering a balance of performance, cost, and environmental benefits. In this study, we report Fe-N-DPC-1000, an iron- and nitrogen-doped porous carbon synthesized at 1000 °C through a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-assisted metal–organic framework (MOF) strategy. The introduction of PVP during precursor formation promotes nitrogen incorporation, ensures atomic-level Fe dispersion, and stabilizes the framework during pyrolysis. The resulting material exhibits a hierarchical micro–mesoporous structure with a BET surface area ~ 1580 m²g⁻¹ along with a micropore volume of 0.54 cm³g⁻¹. Single-cell PEMFC testing demonstrated a peak power density of 1205 mWcm⁻², approaching the level of Pt/C performance and outperforming its PVP-free counterpart by 35.3%, while maintaining strong stability. These results establish polymer-assisted MOF engineering as a scalable approach to designing highperformance Fe–N–C catalysts for next-generation, environmentally sustainable fuel cell technologies.