Fe3O4/N-CNTs derived from hypercrosslinked carbon nanotube as efficient catalyst for ORR in both acid and alkaline electrolytes. (1st June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Song, Kunpeng; Wei, Jinfeng; Dong, Wen; Zou, Zhijuan; Wang, Jingyu
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 47:Number 47(2022)
• Page Start: 20529
• Page End: 20539
• Publication Date: 2022-06-01
• Subjects: Hypercrosslinked iron-porphyrin -- Fe3O4 nanoparticles -- N-doped carbon nanotubes -- Oxygen defects -- Oxygen reduction reaction; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.04.175
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: The development of efficient and durable transition metal-based electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a key step in the commercial application of renewable energy storage and conversion technology. Herein, a novel and convenient strategy was proposed to embed Fe3 O4 nanoparticles into nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (Fe3 O4 /N-CNTs) by the Friedel-Crafts alkylation reaction of iron-tetraphenylporphyrin (FeTPP) and subsequent pyrolysis process. The hypercrosslinked FeTPP framework provided more exposed N and Fe3 O4 active sites on the CNTs surface, and the feasibility to adjust the Fe contents that had a great influence on the composite structure. Moreover, the Fe3 O4 /N-CNTs served as a robust catalyst for the ORR in both acid and alkaline media. Compared with 20% Pt/C, Fe3 O4 /N-CNTs with Fe content of 2.62% exhibited excellent electrochemical performance in terms of positive onset potential ( E 0 = 0.920 V vs. RHE), half-wave potential ( E 1/2 = 0.804 V), much better methanol tolerance, and long-term durability. The remarkable performance of Fe3 O4 /N-CNTs was ascribed to the favorable oxygen adsorption and diffusion, which benefited from its large specific surface area and microporous structure, high reactivity by the exposed graphitic N and oxygen defects, and strong electronic interaction between Fe3 O4 and N-doped CNTs. Highlights: Microporous carbon structure protected the corrosion of CNTs and Fe in electrolyte. Hypercross-linked Fe–N structure increase the stability of Fe3 O4 nanoparticles. Encapsulated Fe3 O4 improve the ratio of defect oxygen.