Few-layer borocarbonitride nanosheets: platinum-free catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction

The present study demonstrates the use of few-layer borocarbonitride nanosheets synthesized by a simple method as non-platinum cathode catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline medium. Composition-dependent ORR activity is observed and the best performance was found when the composition was carbon-rich. Mechanistic aspects reveal that ORR follows the 4 e(-) pathway with kinetic parameters comparable to those of the commercial Pt/C catalyst. Excellent methanol tolerance is observed with the BCN nanosheets unlike with Pt/C.