Morphological ensembles of N-doped porous carbon derived from ZIF-8/Fe-graphene nanocomposites: processing and electrocatalytic studies
Title | Morphological ensembles of N-doped porous carbon derived from ZIF-8/Fe-graphene nanocomposites: processing and electrocatalytic studies |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2018 |
Authors | Thomas, M, Illathvalappil, R, Kurungot, S, Nair, BN, A. Mohamed, P, Anilkumar, GM, Yamaguchi, T, Hareesh, US |
Journal | ChemistrySelect |
Volume | 3 |
Issue | 30 |
Pagination | 8688-8697 |
Date Published | AUG |
ISSN | 2365-6549 |
Keywords | electrocatalyst, fuel cell, N- Fe co-doped carbon, oxygen reduction reaction, ZIF-8 |
Abstract | Engineering the active site density of porous carbon catalysts for enhanced electrocatalytic activity is the current focus in the quest for economically viable fuel cells. Herein, we synthesise ZIF-8/Fe-graphene composites for the formation of N and Fe co-doped carbon with diverse morphologies ranging from tubes and sheets to frameworks of carbon. A synthetic strategy involving the one pot synthesis of ZIF-8 based composites is accomplished by the reaction of 2-methylimidazole with mixed Zn/Fe salt solution containing graphene dispersions. The high temperature heat treatment of this precursor mix yielded micro-meso porous architectures of N, Fe co-doped carbon with dispersions of Fe/Fe3C. An onset potential value of 0.95 V and a half-wave potential of 0.82 V coupled with excellent durability and stability in alkaline medium indicated improved electrocatalytic performances over its commercial Pt/C counterpart. The appreciable electrocatalytic properties of the synthesized carbon are attributed to its morphological diversity, hybrid structure, high N doping and its heteroporous characteristics. The dispersed Fe/Fe3C and FeNx sites facilitated enhanced oxygen adsorption and the graphene inclusions in the composite provided retention of high nitrogen contents. |
DOI | 10.1002/slct.201801419 |
Type of Journal (Indian or Foreign) | Foreign |
Impact Factor (IF) | 1.505 |
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