Facile preparation of glycine-based mesoporous graphitic carbons with embedded cobalt nanoparticles

摘要

A simple route has been developed for the preparation of mesoporous graphitic carbons with embedded cobalt nanoparticles just using glycine as a nitrogen source, cobalt nitrate and distilled water. After heating the mixture to 300 degrees C under magnetic stirring, a dry solid product was obtained, which was then carbonized at 900 degrees C under argon atmosphere. Changing the glycine/Co molar ratio allowed controlling the size of the cobalt particles and their dispersion in the carbon matrix, the porosity of the carbon and its graphitic character. The carbon-metal composites obtained were tested as oxygen cathodes in Li-O-2 batteries. Cells assembled exhibited a full discharge capacity up to 2.19 mAh cm(-2) at a current of 0.05 mA cm(-2) and over 39 cycles at a cutoff capacity of 0.5 mAh cm(-2). This work provides a green, feasible and simple way to prepare mesoporous graphitic carbons with embedded cobalt nanoparticles without involving templates. [GRAPHICS] .