Ultrasmall Mo2C Embedded in N‐Doped Holey Carbon for High‐Efficiency Electrochemical Oxygen Reduction Reaction. Issue 10 (23rd May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhao, Huali; Yang, Shuaibing; Yang, Weiguang; Zhao, Chuan; Cao, Minna; Cao, Rong
• Is Part Of: ChemElectroChem. Volume 9:Issue 10(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-05-23
• Subjects: Cucurbit[n]uril -- Durability -- N-doped holey carbon -- Oxygen reduction reaction -- Transition metal carbides; Electrochemistry -- Periodicals; 541.37
• DOI: 10.1002/celc.202200141
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2196-0216

Abstract

Abstract: The Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) plays an important role in fuel cells, but the synthesis of efficient and low‐cost catalysts remains challenging. We report the synthesis of ultra‐small Mo2 C nanoparticles with an average size of 1.5 nm embedded in a N‐doped holey carbon (NHC) matrix by employing self‐assembled macrocycle cucurbit[6]uril (CB[6]) and melamine as carbon precursors. The interaction between Mo precursors and CB[6] effectively prevented the aggregation of Mo2 C NPs during the pyrolysis procedure. Besides, the holey structural carbon has a larger electrocatalytic activity area and improves mass transfer efficiency and charge transfer rate. The NHC features abundant defective sites and thus effective anchoring and electronic regulation for Mo2 C nanoparticles. The electrochemical oxygen reduction activity of Mo2 C/NHC is comparable to that of noble metal Pt/C benchmark catalyst with an initial potential, half‐wave potential and limiting current density of 0.95 V, 0.84 V and 5.0 mA cm −2, respectively. Mo2 C/NHC shows a good long‐term durability during 25 h chronoamperometry. Abstract : Noble metal‐free ultrasmall Mo2 C nanoparticles embedded in N‐doped holey carbon for electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction are reported. They exhibit highly efficient electrocatalytic activity comparable to Pt/C and an outstanding durability outperforming that of Pt/C.