Synthesis of graphitic carbon nitride through pyrolysis of melamine and its electrocatalysis for oxygen reduction reaction

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) was synthesized via direct pyrolysis of melamine and its electrocatalysis toward oxygen reduction reaction was studied. The morphology and structures of the products were characterized by scanning electron microscope and X-ray powder diffractometer. It was found that higher pyrolysis temperature resulted in more perfect crystalline structure of the graphitic carbon nitride product. Electrochemical characterizations show that the g-c(3)N(4) has electrocatalytic activity toward ORR through a two-step and two-electron process. (C) 2013 Xing-Hua Xia. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society. All rights reserved.