Co@N-CNTs derived from triple-role CoAl-layered double hydroxide as an efficient catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction. (October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Shilin; Zhang, Yun; Jiang, WenJie; Liu, Xin; Xu, Sailong; Huo, Ruijie; Zhang, Fazhi; Hu, Jin-Song
• Is Part Of: Carbon. Volume 107(2016)
• Page Start: 162
• Page End: 170
• Publication Date: 2016-10
• Subjects: Carbon -- Periodicals; Carbone -- Périodiques; Koolstof; Toepassingen; Electronic journals; 546.681
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbon.2016.05.056
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0008-6223

Abstract

Abstract: Co nanoparticle-encapsulated N-doped carbon nanotubes (Co@N-CNTs) are prepared as a Pt-free electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) via direct pyrolysis of a CoAl-layered double hydroxide (CoAl-LDH)/melamine mixture. The approach could bundle the following distinct features: (i) commercially available melamine as both carbon and nitrogen bi-functional sources; (ii) scalably prepared CoAl-LDH precursor chosen to play a triple role in catalyzing the formation of N-CNTs and serving the electroactive Co nanoparticles, as well as in facilitating the growth of long N-CNTs owing to the confinement effect of the non-active Al2 O3 matrix formed; (iii) an alternative to prepare one-dimensional length-and-performance-tunable N-CNTs, which are obtained typically by using catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) of two gaseous carbon and nitrogen resources on the surface of an LDH layer. The long Co@N-CNTs exhibits the highly enhanced electrocatalytic activity and stability for ORR (onset potential at 929 mV, half-wave potential at 849 mV vs. RHE, and limited current density at 6.0 mA cm −2 ). The CoAl-LDH precursor-based approach may open up a simple and feasible alternative to design and produce low-cost electrocatalysts for fuel cells.