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Low‐Work‐Function Silver Activating N‐doped Graphene as Efficient Oxygen Reduction Catalysts in Acidic Medium
Author(s) -
Yan Yadong,
Yan Shicheng,
Yu Zhentao,
Zou Zhigang
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
chemcatchem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.497
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1867-3899
pISSN - 1867-3880
DOI - 10.1002/cctc.201801869
Subject(s) - graphene , work function , catalysis , electrochemical energy conversion , electrochemistry , fermi level , electrolyte , materials science , platinum , nanotechnology , doping , chemical engineering , chemistry , electrode , electron , optoelectronics , organic chemistry , physics , layer (electronics) , quantum mechanics , engineering
Non‐platinum graphene‐based electrocatalysts are vital for low‐cost energy conversion by hydrogen fuel cell. However, high oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) overpotentials limit their efficiency and stability. Here, we propose a strategy to increase graphene Fermi level by graphene encapsulating a metal with lower work function than graphene, aiming to enhance the ORR activity of graphene‐based materials. As an example, Ag nanoparticles (function work, 4.2 eV) are embedded into N‐doped graphene (function work, 4.5 eV) (Ag@NG). The Ag@NG exhibits the ORR onset potential of 0.804 V and excellent stability over 10000 electrochemical cycles in acidic electrolyte. Spectroscopic analysis confirms Ag−N coordination bond as an efficient electron transfer route significantly benefiting upshift of graphene Fermi level that enhances the ORR activity and stability.