Noble-metal-free Co-N-C catalyst derived from cellulose-based poly(ionic liquid)s for highly efficient oxygen...

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Catalysis

Background:

• Noble-metal-free nitrogen-doped carbon materials are sought for oxygen reduction reactions (ORR).
• Challenges include uniform metal distribution and preventing aggregation in non-noble metal nitrogen-doped carbon (M-N-C) catalysts.
• Cellulose-derived materials offer a sustainable platform for catalyst development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and evaluate a novel, efficient, noble-metal-free catalyst for ORR.
• To investigate the potential of cobalt-containing cellulosic poly(ionic liquid) for creating advanced M-N-C catalysts.
• To explore the functional utilization of cellulose in energy applications.

Main Methods:

• Pyrolysis of a cobalt-containing cellulosic poly(ionic liquid) to create cobalt-nitrogen-carbon (Co-N-C) catalysts.
• Characterization of the catalyst's surface area, porous structure, and active sites.
• Electrochemical assessment of ORR activity, anti-methanol poisoning, and long-term stability in alkaline media.

Main Results:

• The prepared Co-N-C catalyst exhibited a high surface area and hierarchical porous structure with well-dispersed cobalt nanoparticles.
• The Co-N-C-850 sample demonstrated high ORR activity (Eonset = 0.827 V, E1/2 = 0.74 V), comparable to commercial Pt/C (Eonset = 0.833 V, E1/2 = 0.71 V).
• The catalyst showed excellent anti-methanol poisoning and long-term stability, outperforming commercial Pt/C.

Conclusions:

• A novel and efficient noble-metal-free Co-N-C catalyst was successfully synthesized from cellulose.
• The catalyst exhibits promising ORR performance, stability, and methanol tolerance for fuel cell applications.
• This work highlights a viable route for cellulose valorization and the development of advanced M-N-C electrocatalysts.