CoTe nanoparticle-embedded N-doped hollow carbon polyhedron: an efficient catalyst for H2O2 electrosynthesis in acidic media

Abstract

Rational design and development of high-efficiency electrocatalytic materials made from earth-abundant elements for H₂O₂ generation via a two-electron O₂ reduction reaction (2e⁻ ORR) is of crucial significance but still challenging. Here, we demonstrate that CoTe nanoparticles embedded in a nitrogen-doped hollow carbon polyhedron (CoTe@NC) can be adopted as a highly selective and stable 2e⁻ ORR electrocatalyst. Benefiting from the synergistic effect between the highly active CoTe nanoparticles and nitrogen-doped hollow carbon polyhedron, in 0.1 M HClO₄, the CoTe@NC hybrid exhibits superb electrocatalytic activity toward the 2e⁻ ORR with high selectivity of up to 92.6% and a large H₂O₂ production rate of 297.9 ppm h⁻¹ at −0.044 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode. Moreover, it operates rather stably under the working conditions with a negligible current decrease after 12 h. Theoretical calculations further provide insight into the catalytic mechanism involved.