SiO2-templated ferrocenyl porous organic polymer gel derived porous Carbon/Fe2C nanohybrids with interpenetrating macropores as oxygen reduction electrocatalyst for Zn-air batteries

Porous organic polymers (POPs) together with related derivatives have geared significant attention due to their great applications potential in varieties of fields. Whereas, it remains challenging to control the morphology of POPs or corresponding derivate. Herein, we report a macro/meso/microporous Fe/N/P-codoped hollow catalyst (HFCP-850) prepared via the pyrolysis and chemical etching of a POP-SiO2 gel composites (HFCP-POP) which was synthesized by the in situ polymerization of hexakis(4-aminophenoxy)cyclotriphosphzene (HACP) and ferrocene-1,1′-dicarbaldehyde (Fc) under SiO2-template mediated method. Compared to the template-free catalysts, the final hollow carbon/Fe2C nanohybrids (HFCP-850) presents a much enhanced ORR activity in the whole pH, along with superior long-term stability and methanol immunity. When used as anode catalyst for Zn-air battery, HFCP-850 also presents excellent activity. The current study provides a rational strategy to synthesize catalysts with controlled composition and morphology, thereby achieving desired functions for efficient catalysis. [Display omitted] •A novel ferrocenyl POP@SiO2 gel composite with POP shell and SiO2 core was facilely prepared.•Numerous template can be introduced into the POP gel realizing the finely regulation of material’s morphology.•Pyrolysis and chemical etching of this composite yields micro/mesopore/macropore catalysts with embedded Fe2C.•The special pore structure and elemental composition endowed acceptable ORR activity at the whole pH range.•HFCP-850 is also applicable to the real device with excellent activity to Zn-air battery.