Mn3O4/Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites as Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Alkaline Solution

Electrodes based on helical carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and Mn3O4 nanocomposites are investigated for catalysis of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline solutions. Modification of Mn3O4 with helical CNTs allows these nanocomposite materials to exhibit high catalytic activity for the ORR, in which a four-electron pathway dominates, and also remarkable stability in air-saturated alkaline solutions. These properties are attributed to a combination of fast electron transport by the helical CNTs and high catalytic activity of Mn3O4 in the ORR.