Cobalt-doped carbon nitride supported on ordered mesoporous carbon as noble metal-free oxygen reduction electrocatalysts

Carbon nitride (C3N4) is doped with cobalt species and supported on ordered mesoporous carbon (Co-C3N4/OMC), to design macrocyclic metal-nitrogen catalyst in alkaline fuel cells for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The structural characterization proves Co-N bond in Co-C3N4. The ORR activity of Co-C3N4/OMC is improved by rich approachable Co-N-x active sites and rapid transfer in the pores of Co-C3N4/OMC. The electrocatalytic properties reveal that reduction of oxygen is catalyzed by Co-C3N4 in a four electron pathway. Additionally, Co-C3N4/OMC unveils equivalent ORR performance, maximum methanol tolerance ability and improved durability in contrast to Pt/C and bodes well for designing of favorable non-precious cathode catalyst in fuel cells. The chemical doping approach in this work provides insights to advance other related catalyst in fuel cells.