Electrocatalysis of oxygen reduction on iron- and cobalt-containing nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes in acid media. (10th November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ratso, Sander; Kruusenberg, Ivar; Sarapuu, Ave; Kook, Mati; Rauwel, Protima; Saar, Rando; Aruväli, Jaan; Tammeveski, Kaido
• Is Part Of: Electrochimica acta. Volume 218(2016)
• Page Start: 303
• Page End: 310
• Publication Date: 2016-11-10
• Subjects: Oxygen reduction -- Electrocatalysis -- Carbon nanotubes -- Nitrogen doping -- Non-precious metal catalyst; Electrochemistry -- Periodicals; Electrochemistry, Industrial -- Periodicals; 541.37
• DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2016.09.119
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0013-4686

Abstract

Highlights: M-NCNT materials are synthesised by pyrolysis of CNTs, DCDA and FeCl3 or CoCl2 . As-prepared M-NCNT catalysts show lower ORR activity than Pt/C in acid solution. ORR activity increases by acid-treatment of M-NCNT catalysts and second pyrolysis. The prepared M-NCNT electrocatalysts show high stability and methanol tolerance. Abstract: Iron- and cobalt-containing nitrogen-doped carbon catalysts based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes are prepared using pyrolysis of dicyandiamide and CoCl2 or FeCl3 at 800 °C. The electroreduction of oxygen is studied in 0.5 M H2 SO4 solution by the rotating disk electrode method and the surface morphology and composition of the catalysts are characterised by scanning and transmission electron microscopies and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The as-prepared catalysts show mediocre electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which increases as a result of acid treatment and second pyrolysis. The electrocatalytic activity of Fe-containing catalyst towards the ORR surpasses that of Co-based material and it supports a 4-electron reduction of O2 . Co-containing catalyst, in turn, shows higher stability. Both catalysts are highly methanol tolerant in acid media. The transition metal-containing N-doped carbon materials are promising cathode catalysts for low-temperature fuel cells.