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Modulating the electrocatalytic activity of N-doped carbon frameworks via coupling with dual metals for Zn–air batteries
N-Doped carbon electrocatalysts are a promising alternative to precious metal catalysts to promote oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, it remains a challenge to design the desired active sites on carbon skeletons in a controllable manner for ORR. Herein, we developed a facile approach based on...
Autores principales: | , , , , , , , |
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Formato: | Online Artículo Texto |
Lenguaje: | English |
Publicado: |
Springer Nature Singapore
2022
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Materias: | |
Acceso en línea: | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9005593/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35415763 http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40580-022-00308-8 |
Sumario: | N-Doped carbon electrocatalysts are a promising alternative to precious metal catalysts to promote oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, it remains a challenge to design the desired active sites on carbon skeletons in a controllable manner for ORR. Herein, we developed a facile approach based on oxygen-mediated solvothermal radical reaction (OSRR) for preparation of N-doped carbon electrocatalysts with a pre-designed active site and modulated catalytic activity for ORR. In the OSRR, 2-methylimidazole reacted with Co and Mn salts to form an active site precursor (MnCo-MIm) in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) at room temperature. Then, the reaction temperature increased to 140 °C under an oxygen atmosphere to generate NMP radicals, followed by their polymerization with the pre-formed MnCo-MIm to produce Mn-coupled Co nanoparticle-embedded N-doped carbon framework (MnCo-NCF). The MnCo-NCF showed uniform dispersion of nitrogen atoms and Mn-doped Co nanoparticles on the carbon skeleton with micropores and mesopores. The MnCo-NCF exhibited higher electrocatalytic activity for ORR than did a Co nanoparticle only-incorporated carbon framework due to the improved charge transfer from the Mn-doped Co nanoparticles to the carbon skeleton. In addition, the Zn–air battery assembled with MnCo-NCF had superior performance and durability to the battery using commercial Pt/C. This facile approach can be extended for designing carbon electrocatalysts with desired active sites to promote specific reactions. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: [Image: see text] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40580-022-00308-8. |
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