A simple synthesis method for nanostructured Co-WC/carbon composites with enhanced oxygen reduction reaction activity

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Developing efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is crucial for energy technologies.
• Current catalysts, like platinum, are expensive and face durability challenges.
• Nanocomposite materials offer potential for improved catalytic performance and stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize cobalt nanoparticles (Co NPs) and tungsten carbide (WC) simultaneously on carbon black using solution plasma processing (SPP).
• To evaluate the ORR activity and durability of the synthesized Co-WC/C nanocomposite.
• To demonstrate the potential of SPP for large-scale production of NP-carbon composites.

Main Methods:

• Simultaneous synthesis of Co NPs and nanoscale WC with mesoporous carbon black (C) via solution plasma processing (SPP).
• Loading of NPs onto carbon black concurrently during synthesis.
• Electrochemical characterization of the Co-WC/C composite for ORR activity and durability testing.

Main Results:

• Co NPs significantly enhanced the onset and peak potentials for ORR compared to pure WC.
• The Co-WC/C composite exhibited superior electron transfer efficiency.
• Long-term durability of Co-WC/C surpassed that of commercial platinum on carbon (Pt/C).
• Co NPs were shown to enhance the ORR activity and charge transfer number of neighboring WC NPs.

Conclusions:

• SPP is an effective and simple method for synthesizing NP-carbon composites.
• The presence of Co NPs critically improves the ORR performance and electron transfer of WC/C.
• The Co-WC/C nanocomposite demonstrates excellent potential as a durable and efficient ORR electrocatalyst.
• SPP shows promise as a next-generation method for large-scale NP-carbon composite production.