Introduction of a new active and stable cathode catalyst based on bimetal-organic frameworks/ PPy-sheet for alkaline direct ethanol fuel cell

For the first time, the polypyrrole (PPy) with a sheet-like structure was synthesized by a highefficiency and facile chemical reaction process. A new composite with the growth of bimetallic zeolitic imidazolate frameworks on polypyrrole sheet-like (BMZIF@PPy) was synthesized. Then, the BMZIF@PPy composite by different heat-treatment temperatures is applied to make oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts. Electrochemical measurements perform to investigate the ORR properties in both acidic and alkaline media. The onset potential and the limiting current density for the Cobalt/Zinc-nanocarbon@polypyrrole pyrolysis at 800 degrees C (Co/Zn-NC@PPy-800) were 0.977 VRHE and 4.99 mA cm-2 in 0.1 M KOH and 0.85VRHE and 5.48 mA cm-2 in 0.5 M H2SO4. Finally, due to the good activity and stability in alkaline media, the Co/Zn-NC@PPy-800 electrocatalyst is used as the cathode in an alkaline direct ethanol fuel cell. The maximum power of the Co/Zn-NC@PPy-800 cathode catalyst was 77% higher than that of the commercial Pt/C electrocatalyst.(c) 2022 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

For the first time, polypyrrole with a sheet-like structure was synthesized using a highly efficient and simple chemical reaction process. A new composite material, BMZIF@PPy, was synthesized by growing bimetallic zeolitic imidazolate frameworks on the polypyrrole sheets. The BMZIF@PPy composite was then heat-treated at different temperatures to create oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts. Through electrochemical measurements, the ORR properties of the Co/Zn-NC@PPy-800 catalyst were investigated in both acidic and alkaline media. The Co/Zn-NC@PPy-800 catalyst exhibited good activity and stability in alkaline media, making it suitable as a cathode in alkaline direct ethanol fuel cells. The maximum power of the Co/Zn-NC@PPy-800 cathode catalyst was 77% higher than that of the commercial Pt/C electrocatalyst.