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Rocha M, Abreu B, Nunes MS, Freire C, Marques EF. Ternary (molybdenum disulfide/graphene)/carbon nanotube nanocomposites assembled via a facile colloidal electrostatic path as electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction: Composition and nitrogen-doping play a key role in their performance. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 664:1056-1068. [PMID: 38531183 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Nanocomposites have garnered attention for their potential as catalysts in electrochemical reactions vital for technologies like fuel cells, water splitting, and metal-air batteries. This work focuses on developing three-dimensional (3D) nanocomposites through aqueous phase exfoliation, non-covalent functionalization of building blocks with surfactants and polymers, and electrostatic interactions in solution leading to the nanocomposites assembly and organization. By combining molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) layers with graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) to form a binary 2D composite (MoS2/GnP), and subsequently incorporating multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) to create ternary 3D composites, we explore their potential as catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) critical in fuel cells. Characterization techniques such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction elucidate material composition and structure. Our electrochemical studies reveal insights into the kinetics of the reactions and structure-activity relationships. Both the (MoS2/GnP)-to-MWNT mass ratio and nitrogen-doping of GnPs (N-GnPs) play a key role on the electrocatalytic ORR performance. Notably, the (MoS2/N-GnP)/MWNT material, with a 3:1 mass ratio, exhibits the most effective ORR activity. All catalysts demonstrate good long-term stability and methanol crossover tolerance. This facile fabrication method and observed trends offer avenues for optimizing composite electrocatalysts further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Rocha
- CIQUP - Centro de Investigação em Química da Universidade do Porto, Institute of Molecular Sciences (IMS), Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, Porto 4169-007, Portugal; REQUIMTE-LAQV, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, Porto 4169-007, Portugal
| | - Bárbara Abreu
- CIQUP - Centro de Investigação em Química da Universidade do Porto, Institute of Molecular Sciences (IMS), Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, Porto 4169-007, Portugal; REQUIMTE-LAQV, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, Porto 4169-007, Portugal
| | - Marta S Nunes
- REQUIMTE-LAQV, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, Porto 4169-007, Portugal.
| | - Cristina Freire
- REQUIMTE-LAQV, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, Porto 4169-007, Portugal
| | - Eduardo F Marques
- CIQUP - Centro de Investigação em Química da Universidade do Porto, Institute of Molecular Sciences (IMS), Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, Porto 4169-007, Portugal.
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Xu Y, Xie R, Li Q, Feng J, Luo H, Ye Q, Guo Z, Cao Y, Palma M, Chai G, Titirici MM, Jones CR. Pyridine Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes: Unveiling the Role of External Pyridinic Nitrogen Sites for Oxygen Reduction Reaction. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2302795. [PMID: 37415517 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202302795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Pyridinic nitrogen has been recognized as the primary active site in nitrogen-doped carbon electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which is a critical process in many renewable energy devices. However, the preparation of nitrogen-doped carbon catalysts comprised of exclusively pyridinic nitrogen remains challenging, as well as understanding the precise ORR mechanisms on the catalyst. Herein, a novel process is developed using pyridyne reactive intermediates to functionalize carbon nanotubes (CNTs) exclusively with pyridine rings for ORR electrocatalysis. The relationship between the structure and ORR performance of the prepared materials is studied in combination with density functional theory calculations to probe the ORR mechanism on the catalyst. Pyridinic nitrogen can contribute to a more efficient 4-electron reaction pathway, while high level of pyridyne functionalization result in negative structural effects, such as poor electrical conductivity, reduced surface area, and small pore diameters, that suppressed the ORR performance. This study provides insights into pyridine-doped CNTs-functionalized for the first time via pyridyne intermediates-as applied in the ORR and is expected to serve as valuable inspiration in designing high-performance electrocatalysts for energy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Ruikuan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Chemistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Jingyu Feng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Hui Luo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Qingyu Ye
- Department of Chemistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Zhenyu Guo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Ye Cao
- Department of Chemistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Matteo Palma
- Department of Chemistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Guoliang Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | | | - Christopher R Jones
- Department of Chemistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
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Cobalt Phosphotungstate-Based Composites as Bifunctional
Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reactions. Catalysts 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/catal12040357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are key reactions in energy-converting systems, such as fuel cells (FCs) and water-splitting (WS) devices. However, the current use of expensive Pt-based electrocatalysts for ORR and IrO2 and RuO2 for OER is still a major drawback for the economic viability of these clean energy technologies. Thus, there is an incessant search for low-cost and efficient electrocatalysts (ECs). Hence, herein, we report the preparation, characterization (Raman, XPS, and SEM), and application of four composites based on doped-carbon materials (CM) and cobalt phosphotungstate (MWCNT_N8_Co4, GF_N8_Co4, GF_ND8_Co4, and GF_NS8_Co4) as ORR and OER electrocatalysts in alkaline medium (pH = 13). Structural characterization confirmed the successful carbon materials doping with N and/or N, S, and the incorporation of the cobalt phosphotungstate. Overall, all composites showed good ORR performance with onset potentials ranging from 0.83 to 0.85 V vs. RHE, excellent tolerance to methanol crossover with current retentions between 88 and 90%, and good stability after 20,000 s at E = 0.55 V vs. RHE (73% to 82% of initial current). In addition, the number of electrons transferred per O2 molecule was close to four, suggesting selectivity to the direct process. Moreover, these composites also presented excellent OER performance with GF_N8_Co4 showing an overpotential of 0.34 V vs. RHE (for j = 10 mA cm−2) and jmax close to 70 mA cm−2. More importantly, this electrocatalyst outperformed state-of-the-art IrO2 electrocatalyst. Thus, this work represents a step forward toward bifunctional electrocatalysts using less expensive materials.
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Mini-Review: Recent Technologies of Electrode and System in the Enzymatic Biofuel Cell (EBFC). APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11115197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Enzymatic biofuel cells (EBFCs) is one of the branches of fuel cells that can provide high potential for various applications. However, EBFC has challenges in improving the performance power output. Exploring electrode materials is one way to increase enzyme utilization and lead to a high conversion rate so that efficient enzyme loading on the electrode surface can function correctly. This paper briefly presents recent technologies developed to improve bio-catalytic properties, biocompatibility, biodegradability, implantability, and mechanical flexibility in EBFCs. Among the combinations of materials that can be studied and are interesting because of their properties, there are various nanoparticles, carbon-based materials, and conductive polymers; all three have the advantages of chemical stability and enhanced electron transfer. The methods to immobilize enzymes, and support and substrate issues are also covered in this paper. In addition, the EBFC system is also explored and developed as suitable for applications such as self-pumping and microfluidic EBFC.
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Kazakova MA, Koul A, Golubtsov GV, Selyutin AG, Ishchenko AV, Kvon RI, Kolesov BA, Schuhmann W, Morales DM. Nitrogen and Oxygen Functionalization of Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Tuning the Bifunctional Oxygen Reduction/Oxygen Evolution Performance of Supported FeCo Oxide Nanoparticles. ChemElectroChem 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/celc.202100556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mariya A. Kazakova
- Boreskov Institute of Catalysis SB RAS Lavrentieva 5 630090 Novosibirsk Russia
| | - Adarsh Koul
- Analytical Chemistry – Center for Electrochemical Sciences (CES) Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry Ruhr University Bochum Universitätsstr. 150 44780 Bochum Germany
| | | | | | - Arcady V. Ishchenko
- Boreskov Institute of Catalysis SB RAS Lavrentieva 5 630090 Novosibirsk Russia
| | - Ren I. Kvon
- Boreskov Institute of Catalysis SB RAS Lavrentieva 5 630090 Novosibirsk Russia
| | - Boris A. Kolesov
- Nikolaev Institute of Inorganic Chemistry SB RAS Lavrentieva 3 630090 Novosibirsk Russia
| | - Wolfgang Schuhmann
- Analytical Chemistry – Center for Electrochemical Sciences (CES) Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry Ruhr University Bochum Universitätsstr. 150 44780 Bochum Germany
| | - Dulce M. Morales
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH Nachwuchsgruppe Gestaltung des Sauerstoffentwicklungsmechanismus Hahn-Meitner-Platz 1 14109 Berlin Germany
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Abstract
The N, S-co-doping of commercial carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was performed by a solvent-free mechanothermal approach using thiourea. CNTs were mixed with the N, S-dual precursor in a ball-milling apparatus, and further thermally treated under inert atmosphere between 600 and 1000 °C. The influence of the temperature applied during the thermal procedure was investigated. Textural properties of the materials were not significantly affected either by the mechanical step or by the heating phase. Concerning surface chemistry, the developed methodology allowed the incorporation of N (up to 1.43%) and S (up to 1.3%), distributed by pyridinic (N6), pyrrolic (N5), and quaternary N (NQ) groups, and C–S–, C–S–O, and sulphate functionalities. Catalytic activities of the N, S-doped CNTs were evaluated for the catalytic wet air oxidation (CWAO) of phenol in a batch mode. Although the samples revealed a similar catalytic activity for phenol degradation, a higher total organic carbon removal (60%) was observed using the sample thermally treated at 900 °C. The improved catalytic activity of this sample was attributed to the presence of N6, NQ, and thiophenic groups. This sample was further tested in the oxidation of phenol under a continuous mode, at around 30% of conversion being achieved in the steady-state.
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Enterría M, Gómez-Urbano JL, Munuera JM, Villar-Rodil S, Carriazo D, Paredes JI, Ortiz-Vitoriano N. Boosting the Performance of Graphene Cathodes in Na-O 2 Batteries by Exploiting the Multifunctional Character of Small Biomolecules. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2005034. [PMID: 33325651 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202005034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Graphene aerogels derived from a biomolecule-assisted aqueous electrochemical exfoliation route are explored as cathode materials in sodium-oxygen (Na-O2 ) batteries. To this end, the natural nucleotide adenosine monophosphate (AMP) is used in the multiple roles of exfoliating electrolyte, aqueous dispersant, and functionalizing agent to access high quality, electrocatalytically active graphene nanosheets in colloidal suspension (bioinks). The surface phenomena occurring on the electrochemically derived graphene cathode is thoroughly studied to understand and optimize its electrochemical performance, where a cooperative effect between the nitrogen atoms and phosphates from the AMP molecules is demonstrated. Moreover, the role of the nitrogen atoms in the adenine nucleobase of AMP and short-chain phosphate is unraveled. Significantly, the use of such cathodes with a proper amount of AMP molecules adsorbed on the graphene nanosheets delivers a discharge capacity as high as 9.6 mAh cm-2 and performs almost 100 cycles with a considerably reduced cell overpotential and a coulombic efficiency of ≈97% at high current density (0.2 mA cm-2 ). This study opens a path toward the development of environmentally friendly air cathodes by the use of natural nucleotides which offers a great opportunity to explore and manufacture bioinspired cathodes for metal-oxygen batteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Enterría
- Centre for Cooperative Research on Alternative Energies (CIC energiGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Alava Technology Park, Albert Einstein, 48, Vitoria-Gasteiz, 01510, Spain
| | - Juan Luis Gómez-Urbano
- Centre for Cooperative Research on Alternative Energies (CIC energiGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Alava Technology Park, Albert Einstein, 48, Vitoria-Gasteiz, 01510, Spain
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Universidad del País Vasco UPV/EHU, P.O. Box 664, Bilbao, 48080, Spain
| | - Jose María Munuera
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología del Carbono, INCAR-CSIC, C/Francisco Pintado Fe 26, Oviedo, 33011, Spain
| | - Silvia Villar-Rodil
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología del Carbono, INCAR-CSIC, C/Francisco Pintado Fe 26, Oviedo, 33011, Spain
| | - Daniel Carriazo
- Centre for Cooperative Research on Alternative Energies (CIC energiGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Alava Technology Park, Albert Einstein, 48, Vitoria-Gasteiz, 01510, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, 48013, Spain
| | - Juan Ignacio Paredes
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología del Carbono, INCAR-CSIC, C/Francisco Pintado Fe 26, Oviedo, 33011, Spain
| | - Nagore Ortiz-Vitoriano
- Centre for Cooperative Research on Alternative Energies (CIC energiGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Alava Technology Park, Albert Einstein, 48, Vitoria-Gasteiz, 01510, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, 48013, Spain
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Fernandes DM, Mestre AS, Martins A, Nunes N, Carvalho AP, Freire C. Biomass-derived nanoporous carbons as electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction. Catal Today 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cattod.2019.02.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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López-Urías F, Fajardo-Díaz JL, Cortés-López AJ, Rodríguez-Corvera CL, Jiménez-Ramírez LE, Muñoz-Sandoval E. Understanding the electrochemistry of armchair graphene nanoribbons containing nitrogen and oxygen functional groups: DFT calculations. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2020; 22:4533-4543. [PMID: 32048661 DOI: 10.1039/c9cp05857e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The surface and edge chemistry are vital points to assess a specific application of graphene and other carbon nanomaterials. Based on first-principles density functional theory, we investigate twenty-four chemical functional groups containing oxygen and nitrogen atoms anchored to the edges of armchair graphene nanoribbons (AGNRs). Results for the band structures, formation energy, band gaps, electronic charge deficit, oxidation energy, reduction energy, and global hydrophilicity index are analyzed. Among the oxygen functional groups, carbonyl, anhydride, quinone, lactone, phenol, ethyl-ester, carboxyl, α-ester-methyl, and methoxy act as electron-withdrawing groups and, conversely, pyrane, pyrone, and ethoxy act as electron-donating groups. In the case of nitrogen-functional groups, amine, N-p-toluidine, ethylamine, pyridine-N-oxide, pyridone, lactam, and pyridinium transfer electrons to the AGNRs. Nitro, amide, and N-ethylamine act as electron-withdrawing groups. The carbonyl and pyridinium group-AGNRs show metallic behavior. The formation energy calculations revealed that AGNRs with pyridinium, amine, pyrane, carbonyl, and phenol are the most stable structures. In terms of the global hydrophilicity index, the quinone and N-ethylamine groups showed the most significant values, suggesting that they are highly efficient in accepting electrons from other chemical species. The oxidation and reduction energies as a function of the ribbon's width are discussed for AGNRs with quinone, hydroquinone, nitro, and nitro + 2H. Besides, we discuss the effect of nitrogen-doping in AGNRs on the oxidation and reduction energies for the quinone and hydroquinone functional groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florentino López-Urías
- División de Materiales Avanzados, IPICYT, Camino a la Presa San José 2055, Lomas 4a Sección, San Luis Potosí, 78216, Mexico.
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Ramirez-Barria CS, Fernandes DM, Freire C, Villaro-Abalos E, Guerrero-Ruiz A, Rodríguez-Ramos I. Upgrading the Properties of Reduced Graphene Oxide and Nitrogen-Doped Reduced Graphene Oxide Produced by Thermal Reduction toward Efficient ORR Electrocatalysts. NANOMATERIALS 2019; 9:nano9121761. [PMID: 31835788 PMCID: PMC6956339 DOI: 10.3390/nano9121761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
N-doped (NrGO) and non-doped (rGO) graphenic materials are prepared by oxidation and further thermal treatment under ammonia and inert atmospheres, respectively, of natural graphites of different particle sizes. An extensive characterization of graphene materials points out that the physical properties of synthesized materials, as well as the nitrogen species introduced, depend on the particle size of the starting graphite, the reduction atmospheres, and the temperature conditions used during the exfoliation treatment. These findings indicate that it is possible to tailor properties of non-doped and N-doped reduced graphene oxide, such as the number of layers, surface area, and nitrogen content, by using a simple strategy based on selecting adequate graphite sizes and convenient experimental conditions during thermal exfoliation. Additionally, the graphenic materials are successfully applied as electrocatalysts for the demanding oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Nitrogen doping together with the starting graphite of smaller particle size (NrGO325-4) resulted in a more efficient ORR electrocatalyst with more positive onset potentials (Eonset = 0.82 V versus RHE), superior diffusion-limiting current density (jL, 0.26V, 1600rpm = −4.05 mA cm−2), and selectivity to the direct four-electron pathway. Moreover, all NrGOm-4 show high tolerance to methanol poisoning in comparison with the state-of-the-art ORR electrocatalyst Pt/C and good stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina S. Ramirez-Barria
- Instituto de Catálisis y Petroleoquímica, CSIC, Marie Curie 2, 28049 Madrid, Spain;
- Dpto. Química Inorgánica y Técnica, Facultad de Ciencias UNED, Senda del Rey 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Diana M. Fernandes
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal;
- Correspondence: (D.M.F.); (A.G.-R.); (I.R.-R.); Tel.: +34-915854765 (I.R.-R.)
| | - Cristina Freire
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal;
| | | | - Antonio Guerrero-Ruiz
- Dpto. Química Inorgánica y Técnica, Facultad de Ciencias UNED, Senda del Rey 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (D.M.F.); (A.G.-R.); (I.R.-R.); Tel.: +34-915854765 (I.R.-R.)
| | - Inmaculada Rodríguez-Ramos
- Instituto de Catálisis y Petroleoquímica, CSIC, Marie Curie 2, 28049 Madrid, Spain;
- Correspondence: (D.M.F.); (A.G.-R.); (I.R.-R.); Tel.: +34-915854765 (I.R.-R.)
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Morais RG, Rey-Raap N, Figueiredo JL, Pereira MFR. Glucose-derived carbon materials with tailored properties as electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction. BEILSTEIN JOURNAL OF NANOTECHNOLOGY 2019; 10:1089-1102. [PMID: 31165035 PMCID: PMC6541360 DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.10.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen-doped biomass-derived carbon materials were prepared by hydrothermal carbonization of glucose, and their textural and chemical properties were subsequently tailored to achieve materials with enhanced electrochemical performance towards the oxygen reduction reaction. Carbonization and physical activation were applied to modify the textural properties, while nitrogen functionalities were incorporated via different N-doping methodologies (ball milling and conventional methods) using melamine. A direct relationship between the microporosity of the activated carbons and the limiting current density was found, with the increase of microporosity leading to interesting improvements of the limiting current density. Regardless of the doping method used, similar amounts of nitrogen were incorporated into the carbon structures. However, significant differences were observed in the nitrogen functionalities according to the doping method applied: ball milling appeared to originate preferentially quaternary and oxidized nitrogen groups, while the formation of pyridinic and pyrrolic groups was favoured by conventional doping. The onset potential was improved and the two-electron mechanism of the original activated sample was shifted closer to a four-electron pathway due to the presence of nitrogen. Interestingly, the high pyridinic content related to a high ratio of pyridinic/quaternary nitrogen results in an increase of the onset potential, while a decrease in the quaternary/pyrrolic nitrogen ratio favors an increase in the number of electrons. Accordingly, the electrocatalyst with the highest performance was obtained from the activated sample doped with nitrogen by the conventional method, which combined the most appropriate textural and chemical properties: high microporosity and adequate proportion of the nitrogen functionalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Gomes Morais
- Associate Laboratory LSRE-LCM, Departamento de Engenharia Química, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, R. Dr. Roberto Frias s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Natalia Rey-Raap
- Associate Laboratory LSRE-LCM, Departamento de Engenharia Química, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, R. Dr. Roberto Frias s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - José Luís Figueiredo
- Associate Laboratory LSRE-LCM, Departamento de Engenharia Química, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, R. Dr. Roberto Frias s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuel Fernando Ribeiro Pereira
- Associate Laboratory LSRE-LCM, Departamento de Engenharia Química, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, R. Dr. Roberto Frias s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
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Lenarda A, Bevilacqua M, Tavagnacco C, Nasi L, Criado A, Vizza F, Melchionna M, Prato M, Fornasiero P. Selective Electrocatalytic H 2 O 2 Generation by Cobalt@N-Doped Graphitic Carbon Core-Shell Nanohybrids. CHEMSUSCHEM 2019; 12:1664-1672. [PMID: 30759330 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.201900238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic oxygen reduction (ORR) is an emerging synthetic strategy to prepare H2 O2 in a sustainable fashion. N-doped graphitic carbon with embedded cobalt nanoparticles was selected as an advanced material able to selectively trigger the ORR to form H2 O2 with a faradaic efficiency of almost 100 % at very positive applied potentials. The production of H2 O2 proceeded with high rates as calculated by bulk electrolysis (49 mmol g-1 h-1 ) and excellent current densities (≈-0.8 mA cm-2 at 0.5 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode). The totally selective behavior depended on the combination of concomitant material features, such as the textural properties, the nature of the metal, the distribution of N moieties, the acidic environment, and the applied potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lenarda
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, INSTM, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Manuela Bevilacqua
- ICCOM-CNR, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Claudio Tavagnacco
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, INSTM, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Lucia Nasi
- CNR-IMEM Institute, Parco area delle Scienze 37/A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Alejandro Criado
- Carbon Bionanotechnology Group, CIC biomaGUNE, Parque Technològico de San Sebastiàn, Paseo Miramòn, 182, 20014, San Sebastiàn, Guipùzcoa, Spain
| | - Francesco Vizza
- ICCOM-CNR, Via Madonna del Piano 10, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy
| | - Michele Melchionna
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, INSTM, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Maurizio Prato
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, INSTM, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy
- Carbon Bionanotechnology Group, CIC biomaGUNE, Parque Technològico de San Sebastiàn, Paseo Miramòn, 182, 20014, San Sebastiàn, Guipùzcoa, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, 48013, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Paolo Fornasiero
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, INSTM, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy
- ICCOM-CNR, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy
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14
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Sibul R, Kibena-Põldsepp E, Ratso S, Kook M, Käärik M, Merisalu M, Paiste P, Leis J, Sammelselg V, Tammeveski K. Nitrogen-doped carbon-based electrocatalysts synthesised by ball-milling. Electrochem commun 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.elecom.2018.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
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15
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Fernandes DM, Novais HC, Bacsa R, Serp P, Bachiller-Baeza B, Rodríguez-Ramos I, Guerrero-Ruiz A, Freire C. Polyoxotungstate@Carbon Nanocomposites As Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) Electrocatalysts. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2018; 34:6376-6387. [PMID: 29768921 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b00299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) has a crucial function as the cathode reaction in energy-converting systems, such as fuel cells (FCs), which contributes to a sustainable energy supply. However, the current use of precious Pt-based electrocatalysts (ECs) is a major drawback for the economic viability of fuel cells. Hence, it is urgent to develop cost-effective and efficient electrocatalysts (ECs) without noble metals to substitute the Pt-based ECs. Herein, we report the preparation and application as ORR electrocatalysts of four new nanocomposites based on sandwich-type phosphotungstate (TBA)7H3[Co4(H2O)2(PW9O34)2] (TBA-Co4(PW9)2) immobilized onto different carbon nanomaterials [single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT), graphene flakes (GF), carbon nanotubes doped with nitrogen (N-CNT), and nitrogen-doped few layer graphene (N-FLG)]. In alkaline medium, the four nanocomposites studied presented comparable onset potentials (0.77-0.90 V vs RHE), which are similar to that observed for Pt/C (0.91 V vs RHE). Higher diffusion-limiting current densities ( jL,0.26V,1600 rpm = -168.3 mA cm-2 mg-1) were obtained for Co4(PW9)2@N-CNT, as compared to Pt/C electrode -130.0 mA cm-2 mg-1) and the other ECs (-45.0, -50.7, and -87.5 mA cm-2 mg-1 for Co4(PW9)2@SWCNT, Co4(PW9)2@GF, and Co4(PW9)2@N-FLG, respectively). All the Co4(PW9)2@CM ECs showed selectivity toward direct O2 reduction to water with the exception of Co4(PW9)2@GF where a mixture of the 2- and 4-electron mechanisms is observed. Furthermore, low Tafel slopes were obtained for all the nanocomposites (68-96 mV dec-1). Co4(PW9)2@CM ECs also showed excellent tolerance to methanol with no significant changes in current density, in contrast to Pt/C (decrease of ≈59% after methanol addition) and good long-term electrochemical stability with current retentions between 75 and 84%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana M Fernandes
- REQUIMTE/Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências , Universidade do Porto , 4169-007 Porto , Portugal
| | - Hugo C Novais
- REQUIMTE/Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências , Universidade do Porto , 4169-007 Porto , Portugal
| | - Revathi Bacsa
- Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination UPR CNRS 8241, Composante ENSIACET , Université Toulouse , 4 allée Emile Monso , 31030 Toulouse , France
| | - Philippe Serp
- Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination UPR CNRS 8241, Composante ENSIACET , Université Toulouse , 4 allée Emile Monso , 31030 Toulouse , France
| | - Belén Bachiller-Baeza
- Instituto de Catálisis y Petroleoquímica, CSIC , C/Marie Curie 2, Cantoblanco , 28049 Madrid , Spain
| | | | - Antonio Guerrero-Ruiz
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica y Química Técnica, Facultad de Ciencias , UNED , Senda de Rey 9 , 28040 Madrid , Spain
| | - Cristina Freire
- REQUIMTE/Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências , Universidade do Porto , 4169-007 Porto , Portugal
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16
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Abdolmaleki A, Mallakpour S, Mahmoudian M. Preparation and Evaluation of Edge Selective Sulfonated Graphene by Chlorosulfuric Acid as an Active Metal- Free Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Alkaline Media. ChemistrySelect 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.201702409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amir Abdolmaleki
- Organic Polymer Chemistry Research Laboratory; Department of Chemistry; Isfahan University of Technology; Isfahan 84156-83111 Iran
- Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials Institute; Isfahan University of Technology; Isfahan 84156-83111 Iran
- Department of Chemistry; College of Sciences; Shiraz University; Shiraz 71467-13565 Iran
| | - Shadpour Mallakpour
- Organic Polymer Chemistry Research Laboratory; Department of Chemistry; Isfahan University of Technology; Isfahan 84156-83111 Iran
- Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials Institute; Isfahan University of Technology; Isfahan 84156-83111 Iran
| | - Manzar Mahmoudian
- Organic Polymer Chemistry Research Laboratory; Department of Chemistry; Isfahan University of Technology; Isfahan 84156-83111 Iran
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17
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Li Y, Lin S, Ren X, Mi H, Zhang P, Sun L, Deng L, Gao Y. One-step rapid in-situ synthesis of nitrogen and sulfur co-doped three-dimensional honeycomb-ordered carbon supported PdNi nanoparticles as efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline solution. Electrochim Acta 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2017.08.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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18
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Yang C, Jie S, Zhu R, Zhang N, Wang J, Liu Z. Co‐N‐C Catalysts Synthesized viaPyrolyzing the Ionic Liquids Solution Dissolved with Casein and Cobalt Porphyrin for Ethylbenzene Oxidation. ChemistrySelect 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.201700662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Congqiang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and ChemometricsSchool of Chemistry Chemical EngineeringHunan University Changsha 410082 P. R. China
| | - Shanshan Jie
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and ChemometricsSchool of Chemistry Chemical EngineeringHunan University Changsha 410082 P. R. China
| | - Runliang Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Mineral Physics and Material Research & DevelopmentGuangzhou Institute of GeochemistryChinese Academy of Sciences Guangzhou 510640 China
| | - Naidong Zhang
- Centre for Bioengineering and BiotechnologyChina University of Petroleum (East China) Qingdao 266580 China
| | - Jiqian Wang
- Centre for Bioengineering and BiotechnologyChina University of Petroleum (East China) Qingdao 266580 China
| | - Zhigang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and ChemometricsSchool of Chemistry Chemical EngineeringHunan University Changsha 410082 P. R. China
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19
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Rocha IM, Soares OSGP, Figueiredo JL, Freire C, Pereira MFR. Bifunctionality of the pyrone functional group in oxidized carbon nanotubes towards oxygen reduction reaction. Catal Sci Technol 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c7cy00020k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Oxidised carbon nanotubes were subjected to a controlled treatment at different temperatures under nitrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- I. M. Rocha
- Laboratório de Catálise e Materiais (LCM)
- Laboratório Associado LSRE-LCM
- Departamento de Engenharia Química
- Faculdade de Engenharia
- Universidade do Porto
| | - O. S. G. P. Soares
- Laboratório de Catálise e Materiais (LCM)
- Laboratório Associado LSRE-LCM
- Departamento de Engenharia Química
- Faculdade de Engenharia
- Universidade do Porto
| | - J. L. Figueiredo
- Laboratório de Catálise e Materiais (LCM)
- Laboratório Associado LSRE-LCM
- Departamento de Engenharia Química
- Faculdade de Engenharia
- Universidade do Porto
| | - C. Freire
- REQUIMTE/LAQV
- Departamento de Química e Bioquímica
- Faculdade de Ciências
- Universidade do Porto
- 4169-007 Porto
| | - M. F. R. Pereira
- Laboratório de Catálise e Materiais (LCM)
- Laboratório Associado LSRE-LCM
- Departamento de Engenharia Química
- Faculdade de Engenharia
- Universidade do Porto
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