Electrochemical corrosion behaviors of N-doped graphene sheets embedded carbon films in acid

Electrochemical corrosion behaviors of N-doped graphene sheets embedded carbon (N-GSEC) film in H2SO4 solutions were investigated. We found that the corrosion of N-GSEC film originated from the oxidation of carbon, and the sp(2)-hybridized carbon was more susceptible to be oxidized than the sp(3)-hybridized carbon. The corrosion resulted in the formation of N-doped graphene oxides and more exposed graphene edges, which highly improved the electron transfer rates as well as the electrochemical activity of N-GSEC films. The corroded N-GSEC exhibited much higher electrocatalytic activity for phenol biomolecules. These findings shed light on the surface functional modification and application of N-GSEC films.

Automated summary

This study investigated the electrochemical corrosion behaviors of N-doped graphene sheets embedded carbon (N-GSEC) film in H2SO4 solutions. The corrosion of N-GSEC film originated from the oxidation of carbon, resulting in the formation of N-doped graphene oxides and more exposed graphene edges, which significantly improved the electron transfer rates and electrochemical activity. The corroded N-GSEC exhibited much higher electrocatalytic activity for phenol biomolecules.