In situ synthesis of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles embedded in N-doped carbon nanotubes for efficient electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction

The development of electrocatalyst possessing superior oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity is highly desirable due to the low sluggish kinetics at the cathode of fuel cell. Here, CoFe2O4 nanoparticles embedded in N-doped carbon nanotubes electrocatalyst (denoted as CoFe2O4-NC) is synthesized via polymerization of pyrrole, absorbing metal ion and annealing under Ar/NH3 atmosphere. By in situ integrating the catalytically active CoFe2O4 nanoparticles with the N-doped carbon nanotubes and enhancing electrical conductivity, the as-obtained electrocatalyst exhibits excellent ORR activity and long-term stability with a half-wave potential of 0.86 V and 10 h continuous cycling, outperforming the reported similar catalysts. This work opens a new path for the expansion of low cost and efficient ORR electrocatalysts to substitute Pt-based metals for energy storage and conversion devices. (C) 2021 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

In this study, a CoFe2O4-NC electrocatalyst with excellent ORR activity and long-term stability was synthesized through the incorporation of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles in N-doped carbon nanotubes. The obtained electrocatalyst outperformed previously reported catalysts with a higher half-wave potential and continuous cycling. This work opens up a new direction for the development of low-cost and efficient ORR electrocatalysts.