Bioinspired fiber-like porous Cu/N/C electrocatalyst facilitating electron transportation toward oxygen reaction for metal–air batteries. Issue 33 (13th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Qiyu; Zhang, Zhian; Wang, Mengran; Liu, Fangyang; Jiang, Liangxing; Hong, Bo; Li, Jie; Lai, Yanqing
• Is Part Of: Nanoscale. Volume 10:Issue 33(2018)
• Page Start: 15819
• Page End: 15825
• Publication Date: 2018-08-13
• Subjects: Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; 620.505
• DOI: 10.1039/c8nr03981j
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2040-3364

Abstract

Abstract : Fiber-like porous Cu/N/C inspired by laccase was designed as efficient ORR catalysts and applied into Al–air batteries. Abstract : Laccase is one of the most effective biocatalysts for oxygen reduction under physiological conditions. Its unique Cu- and N-based active sites with direct electrical pathways for electrons can guarantee rapid oxygen exchange and reduction. Inspired by this specific structure, we designed and fabricated porous fiber-like Cu/N/C based on MOFs as an ORR catalyst. Precision morphology control of fibers contributed to an increase in the electron transport rate compared with that of Cu/N/C nanoparticles, which could minimize interparticle ohmic contacts and provide direct electrical pathways along with sufficient active sites to catalyze oxygen reduction. The designed Cu/N/C catalyst exhibited similar electrochemical activity to that of a commercially available 20 wt% Pt/C ORR catalyst. Moreover, after being employed as the cathode of aluminium–air batteries, the catalyst outperformed a commercial 5 wt% Pt/C catalyst.