Microwave-assisted pyrolysis of Pachira aquatica leaves as a catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction. Issue 20 (20th March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chang, Sun-Tang; Jhong, Huan-Ping; Chang, Yu-Chung; Liu, Chia-Chi; Chiang, Tai-Chin; Huang, Hsin-Chih; Wang, Chen-Hao
• Is Part Of: RSC advances. Volume 10:Issue 20(2020)
• Page Start: 11543
• Page End: 11550
• Publication Date: 2020-03-20
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1039/d0ra01078b
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-2069

Abstract

Abstract : In this study, biomimetic Mg–N x –C y from Pachira aquatica leaves were mixed with carbon black, in which the mixture was treated by a conventional microwave oven at 700 W and 2 min, exhibiting high catalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction. Abstract : In this study, biomimetic Mg–N x –C y from Pachira aquatica leaves were mixed with carbon black (L/C catalyst), in which the mixture was treated by a conventional microwave oven at 700 W and 2 min, exhibiting high catalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). By using a microwave-assisted process, it not only offers a cheaper and faster way to synthesize the catalyst compared to the conventional furnace process but also avoids the decomposition of the N4 -structure. Using the optimized conditions, the L/C catalyst exhibits an electron transfer number of 3.90 and an HO2 − yield of only 5% at 0.25 V vs. RHE, which is close to the perfect four electron-transfer pathway. Besides, the L/C catalyst offers superior performance and long-term stability up to 20 000 s. The L/C catalyst contains a high proportion of quaternary-type nitrogen, Mg–N x –C y, and –C–S–C– which can be the active sites for the ORR.