Nitrogen-rich carbon coupled multifunctional metal oxide/graphene nanohybrids for long-life lithium storage and efficient oxygen reduction. (March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liu, Shaohong; Dong, Yanfeng; Zhao, Changtai; Zhao, Zongbin; Yu, Chang; Wang, Zhiyu; Qiu, Jieshan
• Is Part Of: Nano energy. Volume 12(2015:Mar.)
• Page Start: 578
• Page End: 587
• Publication Date: 2015-03
• Subjects: Nitrogen-rich carbon -- Graphene -- Metal oxide -- Lithium-ion batteries -- Oxygen reduction reaction; Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanostructured materials -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Nanoscience; Nanostructured materials; Nanotechnology; Power resources -- Technological innovations; Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2015.01.016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-2855

Abstract

Abstract: Graphene-based nanohybrids are very appealing materials for energy storage and conversion applications. Strong binding of nanostructured guest materials with favorable properties and coupling effect to graphene is highly desirable to enhance the structural stability, interfacial characteristics and reaction kinetics of the nanohybrids. In this work, we present the fabrication of novel multifunctional nanohybrids by chemically coupling ultrafine metal oxide (e.g., Fe3 O4 ) nanoparticles to reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with a thin layer of nitrogen-rich carbon (CN x ) as 2D crosslinker. The combination and synergy of rGO and CN x layer with extremely high N content (59 wt%) modify the interfacial properties for homogenous and firm growth of Fe3 O4 nanoparticles on rGO without compromising the intrinsic properties of rGO. When evaluated as anode materials in lithium-ion batteries, Fe3 O4 /CN x /rGO nanohybrids exhibit very long lifespan of 1000 cycles with high capacities at high current densities of 2–5 A g −1, as well as excellent high-rate capability of up to 10 A g −1 . As a non-precious metal catalyst, these nanohybrids also exhibit comparable catalytic activity towards oxygen reduction reaction to commercial Pt/C catalyst in terms of high electron transfer number, high current density, good durability and methanol tolerance capability. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Multifunctional nanohybrids are made by chemically coupling Fe3 O4 nanoparticles to rGO with N-rich carbon (CNx) layer as 2D crosslinker. CNx layer with 59 wt% N greatly enhance the affinity of Fe3 O4 nanoparticles to rGO. Very long lifespan of 1000 cycles with high capacities for lithium storage at high rate. Excellent catalytic activity and durability towards ORR vs. commercial Pt/C catalyst.