In situ derived Ni-N-CNTs from ZIF-8 crystals as efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction

Abstract

The remarkable electrocatalytic activity, cheap cost, and exceptional stability of metal-organic-framework (MOF) derived carbon-based nanomaterials have attracted tremendous interests. In this study, the efficient catalyst consisting of Ni, N, and carbon nanotube nanocomposites (Ni-N-CNTs) are created by pyrolysis of ZIF-8 coated with nickel salt in order to employ as a good oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst. The produced Ni-N-CNTs exhibit a limiting current density of 5.51 mAcm−2, half-wave potential of 0.75 V, and onset potential of 0.874 V in alkaline medium. Besides, the catalyst also shows a good stability in alkaline electrolyte. The Ni-N-CNTs has an excellent oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance thanks to the synergistic effect of nanotubes and abundant nickel and N species.