Heteroatom-doped carbon materials derived from covalent triazine framework@MOFs for the oxygen reduction reaction

Abstract

Heteroatom-doped carbon catalysts are ideal to promote the kinetic process of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) due to their high energy conversion efficiency. Here, we report a series of catalysts obtained from CTF@MOF-x (x = 15, 24, 33 wt%) by pyrolysis methods, in which CTFs served as C and N sources, and Ni-MOFs served as Ni and S sources. A CTF was supported on the surface of a MOF to prevent the collapse and aggregation of the CTF during pyrolysis. The electrocatalyst exhibited enhanced ORR activity in an alkaline medium, with E_onset and E_1/2 values being comparable to those of 20 wt% commercial Pt/C, and showed excellent durability and methanol resistance. This work provides new opportunities for CTF-derived carbon-based electrocatalysts to achieve high ORR performance.