A novel Fe–N–C catalyst for efficient oxygen reduction reaction based on polydopamine nanotubes

C nanoparticles that effectively prevent agglomeration. Thanks to the 1D mesoporous morphology and hybrid composition, the rationally designed catalyst exhibits comparable ORR activity to the commercial Pt/C catalyst, and superior durability and methanol tolerance in alkaline media. Polydopamine nanotubes have demonstrated effects in the fabrication of efficient ORR catalysts which can be described as "killing three birds with one stone". The excellent electrocatalytic performance makes this novel 1D Fe-N-C catalyst a promising non-precious metal catalyst for practical fuel cell application.