Bifunctional multi-metallic nitrogen-doped nanocarbon catalysts derived from 5-methylresorcinol

• Main Authors: Kaarel Kisand, Ave Sarapuu, Arvo Kikas, Vambola Kisand, Mihkel Rähn, Alexey Treshchalov, Maike Käärik, Helle-Mai Piirsoo, Jaan Aruväli, Päärn Paiste, Jaan Leis, Väino Sammelselg, Aile Tamm, Kaido Tammeveski
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2021-03-01
• Series: Electrochemistry Communications
• Subjects: Oxygen reduction reaction; Oxygen evolution reaction; Electrocatalysis; Non-precious metal catalysts; Carbonitride template; Metal-air battery
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1388248121000163
• ISSN: 1388-2481

High-performance bi- and trimetallic nitrogen-doped nanocarbon catalysts for the electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) were prepared by high-temperature pyrolysis from 5-methylresorcinol, dicyandiamide and transition metal (Ni, Fe and/or Co) salts. The electrocatalytic activity of the catalysts was studied using the rotating disc electrode (RDE) method in alkaline solution. The trimetallic NiFeCoNC electrocatalyst showed the best bifunctional ORR/OER performance with the ΔE value of 0.75 V. This is attributed to the synergistic effects between transition metals in the active sites of the material and a hierarchically porous microstructure, achieved through the reactive carbonitride template formed from dicyandiamide during the pyrolysis.