Nitrogen-doped Graphene Loaded with Cobalt Nanoparticles as Efficient Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

摘要

Developing non-noble-metal electrocatalysts used for efficient oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) is greatly significant in the advancement of fuel cells. Herein, a novel electrocatalyst Co/N-G has been synthesized via simply pyrolyzing the mixture of amino phenanthroline (NH2-Phen), graphene oxide and cobalt salt. The microstructure of the catalyst has been characterized by using HADDF-STEM, XRD, Raman and XPS, the results indicate that the precursor complex has formed Co nanoparticle during the high-temperature pyrolysis process. The obtained catalyst of Co/N-G shows relatively good ORR catalytic activity (E-1/2=0.80 V) and almost 4e(-) oxygen reduction pathway in alkaline. In addition, the Co/N-G catalyst shows better methanol-tolerant ability and longer-term stability than Pt/C catalyst.