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Cobalt nanoparticle decorated N-doped carbons derived from a cobalt covalent organic framework for oxygen electrochemistry

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Abstract

The low cost and highly efficient construction of electrocatalysts has attracted significant attention owing to the use of clean and sustainable energy technologies. In this work, cobalt nanoparticle decorated N-doped carbons (Co@NC) are synthesized by the pyrolysis of a cobalt covalent organic framework under an inert atmosphere. The Co@NC demonstrates improved electrocatalytic capabilities compared to N-doped carbon without the addition of Co nanoparticles, indicating the important role of cobalt. The well-dispersed active sites (Co-Nx) and the synergistic effect between the carbon matrix and Co nanoparticles greatly enhance the electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction. In addition, the Co content has a significant effect on the catalytic activity. The resulting Co@NC-0.86 exhibits a superb electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction in an alkaline electrolyte in terms of the onset potential (0.90 V), half-wave potential (0.80 V) and the limiting current density (4.84 mA·cm−2), and a high selectivity, as well as a strong methanol tolerance and superior durability, these results are comparable to those of the Pt/C catalyst. Furthermore, the superior bifunctional activity of Co@NC-0.86 was also confirmed in a home-built Zn-air battery, signifying the possibility for application in electrode materials and in current energy conversion and storage devices.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province (Grant No. ZR2019PB013), the Training Program of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Undergraduates (Grant No. CXCY2021161), the Natural Science Foundation of Tianjin (Grant No. 19JCZDJC37700), and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 21875118).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Materials Science and Engineering, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, 252000, China

    Rui-Qi Zhang, Ang Ma, Xiang Liang, Li-Min Zhao & Hui Zhao

  2. Key Laboratory of Advanced Energy Materials Chemistry (Ministry of Education), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 3000350, China

    Zhong-Yong Yuan

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  1. Rui-Qi Zhang
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Correspondence to Hui Zhao or Zhong-Yong Yuan.

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Cobalt nanoparticle decorated N-doped carbons derived from a cobalt covalent organic framework for oxygen electrochemistry

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Zhang, RQ., Ma, A., Liang, X. et al. Cobalt nanoparticle decorated N-doped carbons derived from a cobalt covalent organic framework for oxygen electrochemistry. Front. Chem. Sci. Eng. 15, 1550–1560 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11705-021-2104-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11705-021-2104-4

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