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Oxygen Reduction on Fe‐ and Co‐Containing Nitrogen‐Doped Nanocarbons
Author(s) -
Kisand Kaarel,
Sarapuu Ave,
Peikolainen AnnaLiisa,
Seemen Helina,
Kook Mati,
Käärik Maike,
Leis Jaan,
Sammelselg Väino,
Tammeveski Kaido
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
chemelectrochem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.182
H-Index - 59
ISSN - 2196-0216
DOI - 10.1002/celc.201800353
Subject(s) - catalysis , cobalt , pyrolysis , materials science , x ray photoelectron spectroscopy , carbon fibers , electrocatalyst , transition metal , inorganic chemistry , nitrogen , chemical engineering , scanning electron microscope , rotating disk electrode , metal , oxygen , adsorption , electrochemistry , chemistry , electrode , cyclic voltammetry , organic chemistry , composite material , metallurgy , composite number , engineering
Cobalt‐ and iron‐containing nitrogen‐doped carbon nanomaterials are synthesised from 5‐methylresorcinol‐formaldehyde resin nanospheres by pyrolysis in the presence of nitrogen and metal precursors. Two approaches used for the synthesis yield the catalysts of different morphology, consisting of spherical or irregular porous carbon structures. The electrocatalytic properties of the materials towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline solution are evaluated by thin‐film rotating disk electrode method. The catalysts containing transition metals exhibit enhanced electrocatalytic activity for ORR as compared to the metal‐free nitrogen‐doped materials, cobalt‐containing catalysts being slightly more active than iron‐based materials. The structure and surface composition of the materials are characterised by scanning electron microscopy, N 2 adsorption studies and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy.