Pyrolytically synthesized cobalt based carbon nitrogen framework as an efficient cathode catalyst in MFC application

Abstract

The development of a non-noble metal-based cathode catalyst is the challenge faced in the MFC technology. Herein we report cobalt based activated carbon-based cathode catalyst obtained by facile pyrolysis of SiO2 coated Co-Zn based MOF for a resilient and enhanced MFC operation. The as synthesized Co-Zn ZIF was pyrolyzed at 900 ºC with and without silica protective coating to form carbon nitrogen framework (Co-CNF-1 and Co-CNF-2). The study substantiated the benefit of protective silica coating on to the MOF surface by preventing its aggregation and provided uniform heating resulting in improved reduction potential. The presence of high conductivity, surface area and significant occurrence of cobalt concentration in both the CNFs benefited Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR). It is also revealed from the RDE analysis that both the CNFs followed 4 electron transfer pathway analogous to Pt/C. When comparing the power production of the studied cathode catalyst (Co-CNF-1) outperformed benchmark Pt/C.