PEDOT functionalized ZIF-67 derived Co-N-S triple-doped porous carbon for high-efficiency oxygen reduction

Herein, we report the use of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) functionalized ZIF-67 (PEDOT/ZIF-67) as a precursor for preparing an efficient and precious metal-free oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst. The PEDOT/ZIF-67 precursor is subjected to pyrolysis at 800 degrees C and subsequent acidic etching with 1 M HCl to form Co-N-S triple-doped porous carbon (Co-N-S-PC), in which PEDOT functionalization inhibits the aggregation of the product, while the etching removes the excess Co metal and Co oxides, leading to exposure of more active sites and increase of transport channels. Electrochemical measurements reveal that the Co-N-S-PC catalyst obtained this way has outstanding activity, improved methanol-tolerance and high stability for ORR. Specifically, the limited current density (J(L)) and half-wave potential (E-1/2) of the Co-N-S-PC are similar to 5.183 mA cm(-2) and similar to 0.845 V, respectively, higher than those of commercial Pt/C (similar to 5.049 mA cm(-2) and 0.824 V). In addition, CoN-S-PC is insensitive to methanol, without any responses to the injected 2 M CH3OH solution. Furthermore, the Co-N-S-PC displays better long-term stability, identified by its high activity retention (97.87%) and half-wave potential after chronoamperometry test for 5 h.

Automated summary

This study reported the preparation of an efficient and stable Co-N-S-PC catalyst using PEDOT/ZIF-67 as a precursor, which exhibited outstanding activity and high stability for oxygen reduction reaction. The catalyst showed insensitivity to methanol and maintained excellent performance in long-term stability testing.