Abstract
In the present work, nitrogen-doped carbon spheres were synthesized through a simple hydrothermal treatment using glucose and melamine as inexpensive carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. The ratio of melamine to glucose and annealing temperature were optimized. The final optimal sample exhibited a catalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) that was superior than that of commercial 20%Pt/C in 0.1 mol/L KOH. It revealed an onset potential of -22.6 mV and a half-wave potential of -133.6 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl), which are 7.2 and 5.9 mV more positive than those of the 20%Pt/C catalyst, respectively, as well as a limiting current density of 4.6 mA/cm 2 , which is 0.2 mA/cm 2 higher than that of the 20%Pt/C catalyst. The catalyst also exhibited higher stability and superior durability against methanol than 20%Pt/C. Moreover, ORRs on this catalyst proceed through a more effective 4e - path. The above mentioned superiority of the as-prepared catalyst makes it promising for fuel cells.
Translated title of the contribution | Simple synthesis of nitrogen-doped carbon spheres as a highly efficient metal-free electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reac-tion |
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Original language | Chinese |
Pages (from-to) | 1138-1145 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Chinese Journal of Catalysis |
Volume | 39 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jun 1 2018 |
Keywords
- Carbon spheres
- Metal-free catalyst
- Nitrogen doping
- Oxygen reduction reaction
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Catalysis
- Chemistry(all)