Graphene-Supported Au-Ni Carbon Nitride Electrocatalysts for the ORR in Alkaline Environment. (29th July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Negro, Enrico; Bach Delpeuch, Antoine; Vezzù, Keti; Polizzi, Stefano; Bertasi, Federico; Nawn, Graeme; Pagot, Gioele; Di Noto, Vito
• Is Part Of: ECS transactions. Volume 72:Number 29(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 14
• Publication Date: 2016-07-29
• Subjects: Electrochemistry -- Periodicals; Electrochemistry; Periodicals; Electronic journals; Electronic journal; 541.37
• DOI: 10.1149/07229.0001ecst
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1938-5862

Abstract

Abstract : This study reports the preparation and characterization of a new family of electrocatalysts (ECs) for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) exhibiting a "core-shell" morphology. The "core" consists of graphene sheets, which are covered by a carbon nitride (CN) "shell" embedding Au and Ni active sites. The investigated ECs are labeled AuNi10 -CNl 600/Gr and AuNi10 -CNl 900/Gr. The chemical composition and thermal stability are studied by inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), elemental analysis and by high-resolution thermogravimetric analysis (HR-TGA). The morphology of the ECs is probed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). The ORR performance of the ECs is studied both in acid (0.1 M HClO4 ) and in alkaline medium (0.1 M KOH) by Cyclic Voltammetry with the Thin-Film Rotating Ring-Disk Electrode (CV-TF-RRDE) method. Both ECs exhibit a promising performance in the ORR in the alkaline medium.