Biomass-derived synthesis of nitrogen and phosphorus Co-doped mesoporous carbon spheres as catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction

A low-cost, high-performance, and durable catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is prerequisite for the commercialization of fuel cells. Continuous efforts are made to explore nonprecious, efficient catalysts to replace the expensive and scare platinum-based catalysts. Here, we demonstrate a kind of novel nitrogen and phosphorus co-doped mesoporous carbon spheres (NPMCS) synthesized by hydrothermal assisting pyrolysis of food yeast. The as-prepared mesoporous carbon hollow spheres exhibit a high specific surface area of 1223 m2 g−1, deliver an excellent electrocatalytic performance for ORR in alkaline media, superior durability and high resistance to methanol cross-over effect.