Bioinspired N rich C wrapped ZIF-8: A highly efficient and durable electro-catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction

Bioinspired nitrogen-rich carbon-coated zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (NRC@ZIF-8) has been prepared by simple impregnation and carbonization of novel N rich C source "nitrodopamine" (NDA) with ZIF-8 through eco-friendly solvothermal approach and employed as an electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Fabricated NRC@ZIF-8 nanocomposite-based electrode offers surprisingly high ORR electrocatalytic activity by providing high anchoring sites for O2 adsorption due to the availability of positively charged N atoms of nitro group, increased surface defects, improved surface compatibility, promote heterolytic O-O bond cleavage rather than homolytic cleavage and offer fast electron transportation capability. Additionally, it improves interfacial binding efficacy due to functionalization of nitro group with ZIF-8, thus leading to high half wave potential value (E1/2 = 0.91 V), high tolerance against methanol poisoning (91.88%) and remarkable stability even better than dopamine (DA) derived nitrogen carbon-coated ZIF-8 (NC@ZIF-8), commercial Pt/C and other related bio-inspired materials.