Self-assembly of N doped 3D porous carbon frameworks from carbon quantum dots and its application for oxygen reduction reaction

Developing low-cost and high-performance metal-free oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts for fuel cells is highly desirable but still full of challenges. In this study, Nitrogen-doped three-dimensional (3D) porous carbon frameworks (NCF) derived from zero-dimensional carbon quantum dots have been prepared by a simple one-step self-assembly technique. The resultant NCF-800 (carbonized at 800 A degrees C) possesses unique 3D porous framework architecture, large specific surface area (171 cm(2) g(-1)) and abundant defect sites. As a catalyst for ORR, the optimized NCF-800 displays a positive onset potential at 0.87 V (vs. RHE), which is roughly 60 mV more negative than that of Pt/C (0.93 V). Additionally, the NCF-800 exhibits longer-term stability and strong endurance to methanol in alkaline electrolyte, which are much superior to those of Pt/C. Considering the outstanding activity of NCF-800, it can be worked as a prospective metal-free ORR catalyst for fuel cells in the future.