Abstract:

The development of non-noble catalysts such as M-N/C catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction（ORR）is reviewed. Parameters that affect catalyst activity towards the ORR，such as thermal-treatment conditions，metal precursors and loading，carbon supports and synthesis methods，are summarized，and the limitations of existing research works are discussed. In order to obtain commercially feasible，cost-effective and innovative non-noble electrocatalysts，catalytic mechanism study and catalyst synthesis optimization are two crucial points for the discovery of new catalyst with good performance.