Construction of Ti_3C_2 supported hybrid Co_3O_4/NCNTS composite as an efficient oxygen reduction electrocatalyst

摘要

Developing high performance non-Pt oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts is vital for the practical applications of fuel cell but it still remains a grand challenge. Herein, an in-situ pyrolysis strategy was explored to prepare hybrid Co3O4/N-doped carbon nanotubes catalyst supported on the surface of Ti3C2 (Co3O4/NCNTs/Ti3C2). Owing to the synergistic effects of constituent components, as prepared Co3O4/NCNTs/Ti3C2 exhibited superior ORR activity (diffusion limited current 5.41 mA cm(-2) and half-wave potential 0.79 V) to the commercial Pt/C (diffusion limited current 5.14 mA cm(-2) and half wave potential 0.78 V). Meanwhile, the Co3O4/NCNTs/Ti3C2 catalyst demonstrated moderately good stability. Compared with the loss of current (similar to 54%) of commercial Pt/C, 48% current decrease was observed for Co3O4/NCNTs/Ti3C2 after the chronoamperometric measurement for 6 x 10(3) s. In view of the enhanced activity and stability, Co3O4/NCNTs/Ti3C2 holds high potential as a practical ORR electrocatalyst. (C) 2020 Published by Elsevier Ltd.