Bifunctional multi-metallic nitrogen-doped nanocarbon catalysts derived from 5-methylresorcinol
Kaarel Kisand, Ave Sarapuu, Arvo Kikas, Vambola Kisand, Mihkel Rähn, Alexey Treshchalov, Maike Käärik, Helle‐Mai Piirsoo, Jaan Aruväli, Päärn Paiste, Jaan Leis, Väino Sammelselg, Aile Tamm, Kaido Tammeveski
Abstract
High-performance bi- and trimetallic nitrogen-doped nanocarbon catalysts for the electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) were prepared by high-temperature pyrolysis from 5-methylresorcinol, dicyandiamide and transition metal (Ni, Fe and/or Co) salts. The electrocatalytic activity of the catalysts was studied using the rotating disc electrode (RDE) method in alkaline solution. The trimetallic NiFeCoNC electrocatalyst showed the best bifunctional ORR/OER performance with the ΔE value of 0.75 V. This is attributed to the synergistic effects between transition metals in the active sites of the material and a hierarchically porous microstructure, achieved through the reactive carbonitride template formed from dicyandiamide during the pyrolysis.