3D N-doped carbon framework with embedded CoS nanoparticles as highly active and durable oxygen reduction and evolution electrocatalyst. (17th September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhu, Ao Sheng; Xie, Pu; Nong, Juan; Rong, Min Zhi; Zhang, Ming Qiu; Guo, Yu Ming
• Is Part Of: Nanotechnology. Volume 29:Number 46(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-09-17
• Subjects: CoS nanoparticles -- 3D N-doped carbon framework -- electro-oxidation decomposition -- oxygen reduction reaction -- oxygen evolution reaction -- embedded structure; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology; Publications périodiques; Nanotechnologies; Periodicals; 620.5
• DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/aadd6e
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0957-4484

Abstract

Abstract: Development of bifunctional non-metal electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) and oxygen evolution reactions (OERs) with high efficiency, durable stability and low cost is a crucial and challenging issue. However, the heteroatom-doped carbon material including a carbon-based conductive additive would be easily oxidized under the high potential needed for driving the OER. Besides, the interaction between the heteroatom-doped carbon material that possesses electrocatalyst activity and a carbon-based conductive additive is weak, affecting the performance of the electrocatalyst. In this context, we introduce CoS nanoparticles into a three-dimensional N-doped carbon framework (CoS/NCF) by a morphology-retaining pyrolysis of polyaniline/CoS framework precursor, in which the polyaniline framework provides abundant functional groups to nucleate and grow CoS nanoparticles while retaining its interconnected three-dimensional porous structure. Benefiting from (i) the lower OER potential of CoS nanoparticles than the electro-oxidation decomposition potential of a carbon material and (ii) the strong affinity of CoS nanoparticles for a N-doped carbon framework, higher stability than commercial Pt/C system and greater catalytic activity towards ORR with an onset potential of about 0.921 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) are observed. Furthermore, only a potential of 1.515 V versus RHE is required for achieving a current density of 10 mA cm −2 .