Issue 12, 2020

Synthesis of FeCo–N@N-doped carbon oxygen reduction catalysts via microwave-assisted ammoxidation

Abstract

A core–shell structured FeCo–N@N-doped carbon derived from biomass waste (sugarcane and palm kernel shell) is facilely prepared by hydrothermal carbonization and NH3 microwave ammoxidation methods. The fabricated carbons are thoroughly characterized by a variety of analytical techniques. The electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), methanol resistance and durability are also tested in alkaline electrolyte. Compared to the carbons without ammoxidation treatments, FeCo–N@N-doped carbons, which contain FeCo–N in the core (evidenced by X-ray absorption spectroscopy) and highly porous carbon (verified by N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms) in the shell, exhibit superior ORR performance. Among the FeCo–N@N-doped carbons, the sugarcane-derived FeCo–N@N-doped carbon has better ORR activity than palm kernel shell-derived FeCo–N@N-doped carbon, which may be due to the more exposed active FeCo–N sites. Accordingly, the sugarcane-derived FeCo–N@N-doped carbon with a FeCo alloy ratio of 1 : 1 shows a comparable activity (onset potential 0.91 V vs. RHE), a better stability (through a four-electron pathway) and excellent methanol tolerance as compared to commercially available Pt/C catalysts. These biowaste-derived carbons with a unique core–shell structure synthesized via a simple microwave-assisted ammoxidation route can provide a promising electrode for oxygen reduction in fuel cells.

Graphical abstract: Synthesis of FeCo–N@N-doped carbon oxygen reduction catalysts via microwave-assisted ammoxidation

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
26 Feb 2020
Accepted
06 May 2020
First published
07 May 2020

Catal. Sci. Technol., 2020,10, 3949-3958

Synthesis of FeCo–N@N-doped carbon oxygen reduction catalysts via microwave-assisted ammoxidation

H. Kuo, S. Liu, Y. Lin, C. Chiang and D. C. W. Tsang, Catal. Sci. Technol., 2020, 10, 3949 DOI: 10.1039/D0CY00376J

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