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Honey‐Based P, N and Si Tri‐Doped Graphitic Carbon Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Alkaline Conditions
Author(s) -
Ramasahayam Sunil Kumar,
Viswanathan Tito
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
chemistryselect
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.437
H-Index - 34
ISSN - 2365-6549
DOI - 10.1002/slct.201600550
Subject(s) - dopant , electrochemistry , materials science , x ray photoelectron spectroscopy , carbon fibers , catalysis , bet theory , metal , doping , chemical engineering , oxide , nanotechnology , electrode , chemistry , inorganic chemistry , composite number , metallurgy , composite material , organic chemistry , optoelectronics , engineering
A serious quest exists to develop sustainable electrocatalysts for facilitating O 2 reduction reaction (ORR) due to the serious shortcomings of precious metal/metal oxide based electrocatalysts. In this study, we report novel honey based N, P and Si tri‐doped electrocatalysts developed by a robust, one‐step microwave assisted method. The method is unique, simple, inexpensive, high yielding and environment friendly. Ammonium polyphosphate, a good microwave absorber was utilized as the N and P source and silicone fluid was utilized as the Si source. Three different electrocatalysts were prepared, namely, PNSiDC‐1, PNSiDC‐2 and PNSiDC‐3. BET (Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller) surface area analysis revealed high surface areas of 421 m 2 g −1 , 425 m 2 g −1 and 524 m 2 g −1 for PNSiDC‐1, PNSiDC‐2 and PNSiDC‐3 respectively with pore volumes above 0.2 cm 3 g −1 . XPS analysis confirmed the presence of N, P, O and Si dopants in a predominant C matrix in all PNSiDCs. The ORR performance of the electrocatalysts improved towards a complete 4 electron process from PNSiDC‐1 to −3 as the dopant concentrations, surface area and porosity increased. RRDE (Rotating Ring Disk Electrode) studies also suggest a 4 electron ORR as there is no evidence of significant ring current. Electrochemical stability studies performed with PNSiDC‐3 indicate the durability of the developed electrocatalysts as there is no significant loss of ORR activity over 2000 continuous cycles.