Metal–organic framework-derived CoNi-P nanoparticles confined into flexible carbon nanofibers skeleton as high-performance oxygen reduction reaction catalysts

Abstract

The rational design of high performance oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts based on metal chalcogenides derived carbon materials with stable porous structure and rapid electron/mass transport properties is highly desirable yet a great challenge to date. Herein, we synthesize and design metal–organic framework-derived CoNi-P nanoparticles confined into a flexible carbon nanofiber skeleton (C@CoNi-P@C) as ORR catalysts with excellent activity. Using electrospinning of nano size bimetallic NiCo-MOF particles, followed by a precisely controlled annealing process at PH3 atmosphere, composite C@CoNi-P@C catalysts with uniform fiber morphology can be obtained. By comparing the catalytic performance with pure CNF, it is found that the C@CoNi-P@C mixture can be better for the ORR catalyst. With these favorable features, C@CoNi-P@C exhibits an overall distinguished ORR performance in alkaline media, which has a high onset potential of 0.83 V (vs. RHE), half-wave potential of 0.73 V (vs. RHE) and electron transfer number (4). This work introduces a new concept for design of new electrocatalysts using the electrospinning technique for energy storage and conversion application.