3,5-Diamino-1,2,4-triazole as a Nitrogen precursor to synthesize highly efficient Co-N/C non-precious metal bifunctional catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction

Nowadays, the exploration of highly active and cost-effective bifunctional catalysts for oxygen electrode reactions is crucial for various energy conversion applications. Herein, to obtain a highly effective Co-N/C non-precious metal bifunctional catalyst, 3,5-diamino-1,2,4-triazole (Hdatrz) was used for the first time as a Nitrogen precursor. Different Co-Hdatrz complex weight percentages and thermal treatment temperatures had resulted in varying catalyst performance. Among the resulting catalysts, due to the highest active N content, the smallest charge transfer resistance and the synergy of CoO with carbon black, the Co-N-30%/C-600 catalyst (the Co-Hdatrz complex weight percentage was 30% and the thermal treatment temperature was 600 degrees C) demonstrated the highest catalytic activity towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline medium, which was superior to Pt/C. Additionally, the Co-N-30%/C-600 catalyst also showed excellent methanol tolerance and ORR and OER stabilities compared to Pt/C. Thus, the Co-N-30%/C-600 catalyst may serve as a promising bifunctional electrocatalyst in fuel cells, metal-air batteries and water splitting cells. (C) 2016 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.