Synthesis of nitrogen and phosphorus co-doped graphene quantum dots as metal-free electrocatalysts for ethanol electrooxidation. Issue 8 (3rd August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chalani, Mina; Daneshvari-Esfahlan, Vahid; Hosseini, Mir Ghasem
• Is Part Of: Fullerenes, nanotubes and carbon nanostructures. Volume 30:Issue 8(2022)
• Page Start: 853
• Page End: 862
• Publication Date: 2022-08-03
• Subjects: Graphene quantum dots -- ethanol electrooxidation -- fuel cell -- nitrogen -- phosphorus; Fullerenes -- Periodicals; Nanotubes -- Periodicals; Nanostructures -- Periodicals; 546.6812
• DOI: 10.1080/1536383X.2022.2030315
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1536-383X

Abstract

Abstract: In this study, three electrocatalysts containing graphene quantum dots, nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots, and nitrogen and phosphorus co-doped graphene quantum dots are successfully synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method. The as-prepared electrocatalysts are characterized using spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques. The results confirm a uniform distribution and a high order structure with a nanoparticle size of 1–3 nm for all electrocatalysts. Electrochemical analysis demonstrates that the as-synthesized nitrogen and phosphorus co-doped graphene quantum dots (16.67 A g −1 ) exhibit improved catalytic activity towards ethanol oxidation reaction in alkaline media as compared to nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (6.903 A g −1 ) and graphene quantum dots (0.139 A g −1 ). Moreover, the nitrogen and phosphorus co-doped graphene quantum dots display a low overpotential than two other synthesized catalysts. The enhanced electrochemical performance may be related to the synergetic effect of phosphorous addition on the nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots. Based on the results, as-prepared phosphorus and nitrogen co-doped graphene quantum dots could be a promising anodic catalyst for the direct ethanol fuel cells application.