Abstract
Recently, nonnoble-metal catalysts such as a metal coordinated to nitrogen doped in a carbon matrix have been reported to exhibit superior oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity in alkaline media. In this work, Co2P nanoparticles supported on heteroatom-doped carbon catalysts (NBSCP) are developed with an eco-friendly synthesis method using bean sprouts. NBSCP can be easily synthesized through metal precursor absorption and carbonization at a high temperature. It shows a very large specific surface area with various dopants such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur derived from small organic molecules. The catalyst can exhibit activity in various electrochemical reactions. In particular, excellent performance is noted for the ORR. Compared to the commercial Pt/C, NBSCP exhibits a lower onset potential, higher current density, and superior durability. This excellent ORR activity and durability is attributable to the synergistic effect between Co2P nanoparticles and nitrogen-doped carbon. In addition, superior performance is noted on applying NBSCP to a practical anion exchange membrane fuel cell system. Through this work, the possibility of applying an easily obtained bio-derived material to energy conversion and storage systems is demonstrated.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 1902090 |
Journal | Small |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | 36 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2019 Sept 1 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This work was supported by the Global Frontier R&D Program on Center for Multiscale Energy Systems funded by NRF under the Ministry of Science and ICT, Republic of Korea (2016M3A6A7945505) and supported by NRF of Korea grant (2018M1A2A2061975, 2019R1A2B5B03004854). This work was also supported by the KIST Institutional Program (2E29600).
Publisher Copyright:
© 2019 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim
Keywords
- anion exchange membrane fuel cells
- bean sprouts
- bio-derived catalysts
- nonnoble-metal catalysts
- oxygen reduction reaction
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biotechnology
- Biomaterials
- General Chemistry
- General Materials Science