Abstract
In this study, we report on the facile synthesis of a novel electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), based on reduced graphene oxide (RGO), functionalized with metallic and non-metallic elements. In particular, thanks to a fast one-pot microwave-assisted procedure, we induced, in the RGO graphene lattice, a combined doping with nitrogen and sulphur, and the simultaneous decoration with antimony oxide nanocrystals. The multi-doped–decorated material shows enhanced catalytic performance towards ORR, with respect to common nitrogen- or sulphur-doped carbon-based materials. The presence of co-doping is confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. The detailed electrochemical characterization shows the simultaneous effects of dopant atoms on the catalytic behavior. In particular, the importance of nitrogen and sulphur atoms in driving the oxygen absorption, together with the role of antimony in enhancing the electrochemical performance toward the ORR, are discussed.
Highlights
Materials 2022, 15, 10. https://In the global challenge to reduce the use of fossil fuels and the consequent emissions of greenhouse gases, the development of novel, efficient and sustainable energy conversion devices attracts large interest from the scientific community
The structural characteristic of the N-S-reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/Sb sample was evaluated with X-ray diffraction
We propose the facile microwave-assisted synthesis of a promising oxygen reduction reaction (ORR)
Summary
In the global challenge to reduce the use of fossil fuels and the consequent emissions of greenhouse gases, the development of novel, efficient and sustainable energy conversion devices attracts large interest from the scientific community. In this perspective, metal–air batteries [1] and fuel cells are two of the most promising systems [2] capable of facing the need for alternative solutions. The improvement of such devices is strictly connected with the design of efficient and low-cost electrodic materials, with special attention to the cathodic compartment at which the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) occurs [3]
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