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High‐Performance Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalyst Derived from Polydopamine and Cobalt Supported on Carbon Nanotubes for Metal–Air Batteries
Author(s) -
Liu Yiling,
Chen Fengjiao,
Ye Wen,
Zeng Min,
Han Na,
Zhao Feipeng,
Wang Xinxia,
Li Yanguang
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
advanced functional materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.069
H-Index - 322
eISSN - 1616-3028
pISSN - 1616-301X
DOI - 10.1002/adfm.201606034
Subject(s) - electrocatalyst , materials science , carbon nanotube , catalysis , cobalt , chemical engineering , carbon fibers , electrochemistry , nanotechnology , pyrolysis , electrode , composite material , organic chemistry , chemistry , metallurgy , composite number , engineering
The development of nonprecious metal‐based electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction holds the decisive key to many energy conversion devices. Among several potential candidates, transition metal and nitrogen co‐doped carbonaceous materials are the most promising, yet their activity and stability are still insufficient to meet the needs of practical applications. In this study, a core–shell hybrid electrocatalyst is developed via the self‐polymerization of dopamine and cobalt on carbon nanotubes (CNTs), followed by high‐temperature pyrolysis. The polymer‐derived carbonaceous shell contains abundant structural defects and facilitates the formation of CoN/C active sites, whereas the graphitic carbon nanotube core provides high electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance. These two components separately fulfill different functionalities, and jointly afford the catalyst with excellent electrochemical performance. In 1 m KOH, CoN/CNT exhibits a positive half‐wave potential of ≈0.91 V, low peroxide yield of <7%, as well as great stability. When used as the air catalyst of primary Zn–air and Al–air batteries, this hybrid electrocatalyst enables large discharge current density, high peak power density, and prolonged operation stability.