Graphitic carbon wrapped Co on Zn, Co, N-codoped 3D tremella-like carbon with abundant nanocages for high-performance oxygen reduction

To develop green and renewable energy, subtle design and synthesis of non-precious metal catalysts with low-price, high-efficiency, and robust stability are of paramount significance for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In this study, we synthesized graphitic carbon wrapped Co on Zn, Co, N-codoped 3D tremella-like carbon with abundant nanocages (GCo/Zn, Co, N-TCs) by one-step coordination pyrolysis in the presence of azacytosine. The pyrolysis temperature and Zn/Co feeding ratio were carefully investigated. Integrating the unique structure and synergistic effect of the bimetals, the resulting G-Co/Zn, Co, N-TCs exhibited remarkable ORR activity (Eonset = 0.99 V; E1/2 = 0.88 V vs. RHE), and excellent stability (only 13 mV negative shift of E1/2 after scanning 2000 cycles), outperforming the control groups and commercial Pt/C under alkaline condition. This research presents some precious viewpoints for fabricating advanced N- and transition metal-dual doped carbon electrocatalysts in energy conversion and storage correlated devices. (c) 2022 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

In order to develop green and renewable energy, it is crucial to design and synthesize non-precious metal catalysts with low-cost, high efficiency, and robust stability for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In this study, graphitic carbon wrapped Co on Zn, Co, N-codoped 3D tremella-like carbon with abundant nanocages (GCo/Zn, Co, N-TCs) were synthesized by one-step coordination pyrolysis in the presence of azacytosine. The resulting G-Co/Zn, Co, N-TCs exhibited remarkable ORR activity and excellent stability, outperforming the control groups and commercial Pt/C under alkaline condition.