Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Catalysis of Carbon Nanohybrids from Nitrogen-Rich Edges.

Abstract

The edge doping effect would help improve the carbon-based electrocatalysis. Herein, we present an all-mechanical technique for the fabrication of cut, exfoliated N-doped carbon nanotubes (C, E-N-CNTs). Such nanohybrids with an edge-N-rich structure are obtained through sequential doping and mechanical treatments of the pristine bulk-CNTs. The C, E-N-CNT/carbon black (C, E-N-CNT/C) demonstrates exciting oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysis with exceptionally low-onset potential (E0, 913 mV versus RHE) and satisfactory half-wave potential (E1/2, merely -7.3 mV shift compared with that of commercial 20% platinum/C (Pt/C)). Besides, the C, E-N-CNT/C presents significantly enhanced durability and tolerance in chronoamperometry test with methanol injection compared with the Pt/C. Our work would facilitate the mass production and full exploration of nonmetallic electrocatalysts.