Atomic scandium and nitrogen-codoped graphene for oxygen reduction reaction

Abstract

Rational design of highly active and durable electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction is critical to substitute precious metal platinum for fuel cells. Herein, a novel non-precious atomic scandium embedded into nitrogen-doped graphene material is successfully synthesized via a facile annealing method. The catalyst exhibits superior oxygen reduction reaction performance in both 0.1 M KOH and 0.5 M H2SO4, with onset potential (Eonset, 0.99 vs 0.82 V) and half-wave potential (E1/2, 0.89 vs 0.72 V). Theoretical calculations reveal that the possible active sites for ORR might be ScN3O and ScN2O embedded into the N-doped graphene. The outstanding electrochemical stability and strong tolerance to methanol crossover on the atomic scandium and nitrogen-codoped graphene make it a promising application in metal-air batteries and fuel cells.