Morphological ensembles of N-doped porous carbon derived from ZIF-8/Fe-graphene nanocomposites: processing and electrocatalytic studies

TitleMorphological ensembles of N-doped porous carbon derived from ZIF-8/Fe-graphene nanocomposites: processing and electrocatalytic studies
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2018
AuthorsThomas, M, Illathvalappil, R, Kurungot, S, Nair, BN, A. Mohamed, P, Anilkumar, GM, Yamaguchi, T, Hareesh, US
JournalChemistrySelect
Volume3
Issue30
Pagination8688-8697
Date PublishedAUG
ISSN2365-6549
Keywordselectrocatalyst, 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.

DOI10.1002/slct.201801419
Type of Journal (Indian or Foreign)Foreign
Impact Factor (IF)1.505
Divison category: 
Physical and Materials Chemistry

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