An efficient and cost-effective tri-functional electrocatalyst based on cobalt ferrite embedded nitrogen doped carbon

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Efficient electro-catalysts are crucial for practical water-splitting systems.
• Developing cost-effective and long-lived catalysts is a key challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize a trifunctional electrocatalyst for water splitting (HER/ORR/OER).
• To investigate the effect of pyrolysis temperature on catalyst properties and performance.

Main Methods:

• CoFe2O4 nanoparticles embedded in nitrogen-doped mesoporous carbon were synthesized using chicken egg white via pyrolysis at varying temperatures (700-1000°C).
• Catalyst properties like surface area, pore size, and nanoparticle-matrix interaction were tuned by pyrolysis temperature.
• Electrocatalytic activity and stability for water splitting were evaluated in a basic medium.

Main Results:

• The catalyst prepared at 900°C (N/CF-EC-900) demonstrated superior catalytic activity and stability compared to other nanocomposites and commercial catalysts (Pt/C, RuO2).
• Optimized pyrolysis temperature enhanced specific surface area, pore size, and CoFe2O4-carbon interaction.
• The N/CF-EC-900 catalyst exhibited low onset potential, high current densities, and a small Tafel slope for water splitting in basic medium.

Conclusions:

• CoFe2O4 nanoparticles embedded in nitrogen-doped carbon derived from chicken egg white represent a promising trifunctional electrocatalyst for water splitting.
• Pyrolysis temperature is a critical parameter for tuning catalyst structure-property relationships.
• This eco-friendly approach offers a cost-effective pathway for developing advanced electrocatalysts.