One-Step Synthesis of Aminobenzoic Acid Functionalized Graphene Oxide by Electrochemical Exfoliation of Graphite for Oxygen Reduction to Hydrogen Peroxide and Supercapacitors

Graphene-based materials have attracted considerable attention as promising electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and as electrode materials for supercapacitors. In this work, electrochemical exfoliation of graphite in the presence of 4-aminebenzoic acid (4-ABA) is used as a one-step method to prepare graphene oxide materials (EGO) functionalized with aminobenzoic acid (EGO-ABA). The EGO and EGO-ABAs materials were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the EGO-ABA materials have smaller flake size and higher density of oxygenated functional groups compared to bare EGO. The electrochemical studies showed that the EGO-ABA catalysts have higher activity for the ORR to H₂O₂ in alkaline medium compared to EGO due to their higher density of oxygenated functional groups. However, bare EGO has a higher selectivity for the 2-electron process (81%) compared to the EGO-ABA (between 64 and 72%) which was related to a lower content of carbonyl groups. The specific capacitance of the EGO-ABA materials was higher than that of EGO, with an increase by a factor of 3 for the materials prepared from exfoliation in 5 mM 4-ABA/0.1 M H₂SO₄. This electrode material also showed a remarkable cycling capability with a loss of only 19.4% after 5000 cycles at 50 mVs⁻¹.     

核-壳结构氧还原反应电催化剂

The high cost of platinum in catalyst layers hinders the commercialization of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. This Account reviews recent progress on core-shell nanostructures for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in acidic media, which is the cathodic reaction in fuel cells. The synthesis, characterization and evaluation of different types of core-shell electrocatalysts are summarized. Various strategies to improve the performance of core-shell electrocatalysts, including dealloying, morphology control, and surface modification are presented. The issues of mass production and fuel cell performance of core-shell electrocatalysts are also discussed.     

Electrochemical Exfoliation of Graphite to Graphene-Based Nanomaterials

Here, we report on a new automated electrochemical process for the production of graphene oxide (GO) from graphite though electrochemical exfoliation. The effects of the electrolyte and applied voltage were investigated and optimized. The morphology, structure and composition of the electrochemically exfoliated GO (EGO) were probed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), FTIR spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Important metrics such as the oxygen content (25.3 at.%), defect density (I_D/I_G = 0.85) and number of layers of the formed EGO were determined. The EGO was also compared with the GO prepared using the traditional chemical method, demonstrating the effectiveness of the automated electrochemical process. The electrochemical properties of the EGO, CGO and other carbon-based materials were further investigated and compared. The automated electrochemical exfoliation of natural graphite powder demonstrated in the present study does not require any binders; it is facile, cost-effective and easy to scale up for a large-scale production of graphene-based nanomaterials for various applications.     

Carbon-Based Electrocatalysts for Acidic Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is vital for clean and renewable energy technologies, which require no fossil fuel but catalysts. Platinum (Pt) is the best-known catalyst for ORR. However, its high cost and scarcity have severely hindered renewable energy devices (e.g., fuel cells) for large-scale applications. Recent breakthroughs in carbon-based metal-free electrochemical catalysts (C-MFECs) show great potential for earth-abundant carbon materials as low-cost metal-free electrocatalysts towards ORR in acidic media. This article provides a focused, but critical review on C-MFECs for ORR in acidic media with an emphasis on advances in the structure design and synthesis, fundamental understanding of the structure-property relationship and electrocatalytic mechanisms, and their applications in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Current challenges and future perspectives in this emerging field are also discussed.     

三元合金氧还原电催化剂

质子交换膜燃料电池作为重要的电化学能源转换装置,在提高能量转换效率、减少环境污染等方面具有诱人的前景.然而,阴极氧还原过电位较大、活性较低、稳定性差,且铂基催化剂昂贵,使该燃料电池难以商业化.纳米结构电催化剂的发展有望解决此难题。对纳米合金电催化剂其组分和结构的设计是开发高活性、高稳定性和低成本的燃料电池电催化剂的重要因素.本文综述了近期由分子设计和热化学控制处理法制备的三元纳米合金电催化剂对燃料电池氧还原反应催化性能的最新进展.该方法可控制纳米合金的尺寸、组成以及二元和三元纳米催化剂的合金化程度.以高活性的三元纳米合金催化剂PtNiCo/C为例,综述了在设计燃料电池电催化剂时结构和组成的纳米级调优的重要性.PtNiCo/C电催化剂的质量比活性远高于其二元合金催化剂和Pt/C商业电催化剂.三元电催化剂的催化活性可通过控制其组成来调节.文章还讨论了三元纳米合金催化剂的结构及其协同效应对增强其电催化性能的影响.     

纳米多孔金属电催化剂在氧还原反应中的应用

燃料电池是将化学能直接转化为电能的能量转换装置,具有绿色、高效、便携等特点。对于大多数使用氧气或者空气为氧化剂的燃料电池而言,其阴极氧还原反应动力学缓慢、稳定性差是阻碍该技术走向商业化的主要因素,因此开发高催化活性和良好稳定性的低成本氧还原催化剂非常重要。基于脱合金法制得的纳米多孔金属是一类新型的宏观尺度纳米结构材料,其独特的开放型孔道结构、优良的导电性和结构的可调控性使其在电催化相关领域具有广泛的应用。本文侧重于讨论纳米多孔金属作为氧还原催化剂时所展示的一系列结构特性,及其在发展新一代高性能一体化燃料电池催化剂中所展示的机会。     

恒电位氧化改性石墨毡及其氧还原电极的电化学性能

分别采用循环伏安改性法和恒电位氧化法对石墨毡进行改性处理,并采用循环伏安法对其电化学性能进行研究,实验结果表明,恒电位氧化改性较循环伏安改性的石墨毡有较好的氧还原活性。通过XRD、FTIR、接触角和CV针对恒电位氧化处理石墨毡进行了进一步的测试。测试结果显示,随恒电位氧化时间的增加,石墨毡表面亲水性含氧官能团增加,润湿性增强。恒电位氧化改性处理25 min的石墨毡氧还原峰电位及电流密度分别为~-0.43 V和~0.003 4 mA·cm^-2,显示出很好的电化学催化性能。基于以上结果,恒电位氧化法改性处理能够极大提高石墨毡的氧阴极活性。     

恒电位氧化改性石墨毡及其氧还原电极的电化学性能

分别采用循环伏安改性法和恒电位氧化法对石墨毡进行改性处理,并采用循环伏安法对其电化学性能进行研究,实验结果表明,恒电位氧化改性较循环伏安改性的石墨毡有较好的氧还原活性。通过XRD、FTIR、接触角和CV针对恒电位氧化处理石墨毡进行了进一步的测试。测试结果显示,随恒电位氧化时间的增加,石墨毡表面亲水性含氧官能团增加,润湿性增强。恒电位氧化改性处理25 min的石墨毡氧还原峰电位及电流密度分别为~-0.43 V和~0.003 4 mA·cm^-2,显示出很好的电化学催化性能。基于以上结果,恒电位氧化法改性处理能够极大提高石墨毡的氧阴极活性。     

Hollow-Structure Pt-Ni Nanoparticle Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

An electrocatalyst with high oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity and high stability during start–stop operation is necessary. In this paper, hollow-structure Pt-Ni electrocatalysts are investigated as ORR catalysts. After synthesis via sacrificial SiO₂ template method, the electrocatalyst exhibits much higher specific activity (1.88 mA/cm²) than a commercial Pt/C catalyst. The mass activity (0.49 A/mg) is 7 times higher than the commercial Pt/C catalyst. The kinetics of the ORR is evaluated using Tafel and K-L plots. It also exhibits a higher durability than commercial Pt/C catalyst during accelerated durability test (ADT). Moreover, the electrocatalyst shows good resistance against accelerated durability test for start–stop, the specific activity and mass activity drops 34.6% and 40.8%, respectively, far better than the commercial catalyst.     

金属空气电池阴极氧还原催化剂研究进展

随着能源危机加剧和生态环境恶化, 可持续发展能源受到更大的重视. 金属空气电池作为一种绿色能源是具有很大发展潜力的新一代电池. 与传统电池相比, 此类电池有着更高的理论能量密度, 尤其是锂空电池, 能量密度可达3505 Wh/kg, 然而阴极缓慢的氧还原反应成为制约其发展的关键因素之一. 在简要介绍氧还原反应机理基础上, 着重介绍了近年来氧还原催化剂如贵金属及其合金、过渡金属氧化物/硫化物、功能化碳材料和金属氮化物的研究进展, 并根据目前所存在问题指出未来研究方向, 包括深入研究氧还原反应机理, 明确催化剂活性位; 研究催化剂结构等对催化活性的影响, 优化制备条件, 以提高催化活性和稳定性; 根据氧还原机理设计开发新型氧还原催化剂.     

Comparative Study of Graphite and the Products of Its Electrochemical Exfoliation

Russian Journal of Electrochemistry - A comparative study of electrochemical characteristics of graphite electrodes and precipitates of suspensions produced by the graphite exfoliation is carried...     

Bioinspired Transition-Metal Complexes as Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is one of the most important reactions in life processes and energy conversion systems. To alleviate global warming and the energy crisis, the development of high-performance electrocatalysts for the ORR for application in energy conversion and storage devices such as metal–air batteries and fuel cells is highly desirable. Inspired by the biological oxygen activation/reduction process associated with heme- and multicopper-containing metalloenzymes, iron and copper-based transition-metal complexes have been extensively explored as ORR electrocatalysts. Herein, an outline into recent progress on non-precious-metal electrocatalysts for the ORR is provided; these electrocatalysts do not require pyrolysis treatment, which is regarded as desirable from the viewpoint of bioinspired molecular catalyst design, focusing on iron/cobalt macrocycles (porphyrins, phthalocyanines, and corroles) and copper complexes in which the ORR activity is tuned by ligand variation/substitution, the method of catalyst immobilization, and the underlying supporting materials. Current challenges and exciting imminent developments in bioinspired ORR electrocatalysts are summarized and proposed.     

Covalent Organic Frameworks Based Single-site Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Single site catalysts(SSCs) are a new type of heterogeneous catalysts formed by isolated metal atoms supported on kinds of substrates. SSCs have shown great potential for energy conversion and storage in recent years, especially for oxygen reduction reactions(ORR). Typically, SSCs are confined on the substrate by strong chemical interactions, such as coordination bonds. Therefore, the surface chemical environment and porous properties of the supports are crucial to the performance of SSCs. In recent years, COFs have become excellent candidates for preparing SSCs as they can precisely assemble monomers into highly ordered crystalline porous materials with a fine structure and definite components. In this review, we not only summarize the characteristics and advantages of COFs based SSCs, but also highlight the applications of COFs constructed from different single active sites for ORR in recent years. Finally, challenges in practical application, feasible strategies and perspectives are proposed for the of COFs based SSCs.     

Bio-inspired Design of Bidirectional Oxygen Reduction and Oxygen Evolution Reaction Molecular Electrocatalysts

The proper utilization of renewable energy sources has emerged as a major challenge in our pursuit of a sustainable and carbon-neutral energy landscape. Small molecule activation is a key component for proper utilization of renewable energy resources, where O₂/H₂O redox couple is reckoned to be a potential game changer. In this regard, electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) have become the prime interest of catalyst designers. Typically, these ORR and OER electrocatalysts are developed distinctly; however, very soon, the requirement of a bidirectional ORR/OER electrocatalyst becomes obvious for practical applicability and rapid energy transduction purposes. A bidirectional catalyst is defined as a catalyst capable of driving a redox reaction in opposing directions. This review has portrayed the development of enzyme structure-inspired design of molecular bidirectional ORR/OER catalysts. The strategic incorporation of secondary and outer coordination sphere features has significantly enhanced the performance of these catalysts, which can be monitored via the key catalytic parameters. These bifunctional OER/ORR catalysts are vital for metal-air battery and fuel cell applications and appropriately poised to lay the foundation for an efficient, economical, and eco-friendly pathway for sustainable energy usage with the rational assembly of energy converting and storage devices.     

An Overview on Pt3X Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

The activity of Pt towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) can be enhanced by alloying it with secondary metals. They can be grouped into three different classes: alloys, bimetallics and intermetallics. Although alloys and bimetallics exhibit enhanced performance, often they are limited by metal dissolution and resulted in poor durability. This invokes the need on the development of ordered intermetallics. In this minireview we comprehensively present the recent progress and developments of Pt₃X alloys and intermetallics towards ORR. Additionally, major technical challenges and possible future research directions to overcome these challenges are discussed to facilitate further research in this area.     

金属有机化合物框架材料衍生M-N/C类氧还原电催化剂

过渡金属及氮共掺杂的碳基催化剂(M-N/C)由于具有几乎可以媲美铂的氧还原活性,已成为最为重要的一类非贵金属催化剂,被誉为最有可能在未来应用于燃料电池的一类非贵金属催化剂。金属有机化合物框架材料(MOFs)作为一种新型的结构规整的多孔材料,具有高孔隙度和形貌尺寸可控等特点,成为制备各种高性能掺杂碳基催化剂的良好前驱体,与过渡金属、氮和碳源的复合前驱体相比,以其为原料制得的衍生M-N/C催化剂往往表现出更优越的结构与性能,具备更好的应用前景,相关研究已成为燃料电池电催化领域的热点研究课题。本文系统地介绍了近年来国内外以MOFs为前驱体制备M-N/C催化剂的相关研究工作,包括:MOFs 衍生碳催化剂的制备技术,提升MOFs衍生碳催化剂结构及性能的研究以及这类催化剂表征技术的研究工作。总结和讨论了MOFs衍生M-N/C催化剂尚存的若干重要问题并提出了解决问题的可能举措,对这类催化剂的发展及应用进行了展望。     

Metal–Organic Frameworks Based Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

In view of the clean and sustainable energy, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) based materials, including pristine MOFs, MOF composites, and their derivatives are emerging as unique electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Thanks to their tunable compositions and diverse structures, efficient MOF-based materials provide new opportunities to accelerate the sluggish ORR at the cathode in fuel cells and metal–air batteries. This Minireview first provides some introduction of ORR and MOFs, followed by the classification of MOF-based electrocatalysts towards ORR. Recent breakthroughs in engineering MOF-based ORR electrocatalysts are highlighted with an emphasis on synthesis strategy, component, morphology, structure, electrocatalytic performance, and reaction mechanism. Finally, some current challenges and future perspectives for MOF-based ORR electrocatalysts are also discussed.     

超细Pd纳米线表层富Pt作为耐久性氧还原催化剂研究

本文控制合成一维方向生长的直径为1.5 nm,长度为11.8 nm的超细Pd纳米线,结合欠电位沉积方法在其表面制备了不同Pt原子层的Pd@Pt核壳结构纳米电催化剂. 高分辨透射电镜和光电子能谱结果证实了这种核壳结构及Pt在Pd纳米线上的均匀分布. 相比于商业化Pt黑催化剂,该核壳结构电催化剂对酸性介质中的氧气还原反应呈现了较高的电催化活性和增强的耐久性. 显著增强的耐久性可归属于催化剂一维结构的稳定性.     

Carbon Nanodots as Electrocatalysts towards the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Electrocatalysts perform a key role in increasing efficiency of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and as a result, efforts have been made by the scientific community to develop novel and cheap materials that have the capability to exhibit low ORR overpotentials and allow the reaction to occur via a 4 electron pathway, thereby mimicking as close as possible to traditionally utilised platinum. In that context, two different types of carbon nanodots (CNDs) with amide (CND‐CONH₂) and carboxylic (CND‐COOH) surface groups, have herein been fabricated and shown to exhibit excellent electrocatalytic activity towards the ORR in acid and basic media (0.1 M H₂SO₄ and 0.1 M KOH). CND surface modified carbon screen‐printed electrodes allow for a facile electrode modification and enabling the study of the CNDs electrocatalytic activity towards the ORR. CND‐COOH modified SPEs are found to exhibit improved ORR peak current and reduced overpotential by 21.9 % and 26.3 %, respectively compared to bare/unmodified SPEs. Additionally, 424 μg cm⁻² CND‐COOH modified SPEs in oxygenated 0.1 M KOH are found to facilitate the ORR via a near optimal 4 (3.8) electron ORR pathway. The CNDs also exhibited excellent long‐term stability and tolerance with no degradation being observed in the achievable current with the ORR current returning to the baseline level within 100 seconds of exposure to a 1.5 M solution of methanol. In summary, the CND‐COOH could be utilised as a cathodic electrode for PEMFCs offering greater stability than a commercial Pt electrode.