Synergistic interaction of P and N co-doping EDTA with controllable active EDTA-cobalt sites as efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction

It is extremely advisable but challenging to develop cathodic catalyst for efficiently catalyzing the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in energy storage and conversion system. Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) co-doped porous carbon (C) materials have been prepared as a non-precious metal catalyst. This synthesis was achieved through pyrolysis of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, triphenylphosphine, melamine and CoCl2 center dot 6H(2)O mixture. The resulting material was capable of efficiently charge transfer via the coordination bond of cobalt (Co) and EDTA, that makes octahedral structure. In addition, redistribution of charge occurred due to co-doping of the N and P, which is advantageous for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The as-prepared N and P co-doped mesoporous carbon (NPMPC) was characterized by a high average porosity and a high specific surface area. Furthermore, the NPMPC had a positive effect on ORR by allowing triple phases (gas-liquid-solid) to coexist in a wide range. We have successfully fabricated electrochemical catalysts that have not been reported previously. The electrocatalytic activity of NPMPC-0.6 (E-onset:-0.08 V & Ehalf-wave:-0.136 V) for ORR in alkaline media was better than Pt/C (E-onset:-0.037 V & Ehalf-wave:-0.122 V). Overall, NPMPC-0.6 showed high efficiency and improved performance for oxygen reduction reaction. (C) 2019 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.