Co2O3/Co2N0.67 nanoparticles encased in honeycomb-like N, P, O-codoped carbon framework derived from corncob as efficient ORR electrocatalysts. Issue 1 (21st December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wu, Yanling; Hou, Qinggao; Qiu, Fangyuan; Qi, Meili; Sun, Cuicui; Chen, Yanli
• Is Part Of: RSC advances. Volume 12:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 207
• Page End: 215
• Publication Date: 2021-12-21
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1039/d1ra07017g
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-2069

Abstract

Abstract : We develop a honey-comb-like N, P-codoped carbon framework derived from corncob as efficient ORR electrocatalysts. Abstract : It is essential to develop cost-effective rechargeable metal–air batteries, with high activity, stability, and efficiency, that use non-precious metals (NPMs)-based cathodic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts. Here, by using earth-abundant corncob (CC) as the carbon source, Co(OH)2, NaH2 PO4, and melamine as the precursors, and KOH as the chemical activator, CoNP@bio-C-a is obtained and comparative studies are carried out with three other types of CC-derived carbon-based catalytic materials, namely, bio-C, CoP@bio-C, and CoNP@bio-C. Depending mainly on the formation of Co2 O3 /Co2 N0.67 active sites (as p–n heterojunctions) and N, P, O-containing functional groups, the resultant CoNP@bio-C-a catalyst exhibits best electrocatalytic activity among the four types of catalysts; via a 4-electron pathway, it has good stability and good methanol tolerance. In addition, its unique honeycomb-like porous structure, high graphitization degree, and abundant oxygen-containing groups contribute to its excellent ORR activity. This study provides insights for exploring the application of heteroatom-doped biomass-derived carbon catalysts.