Hydrothermal Carbon/Carbon Nanotube Composites as Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2020

Authors

Rafael Morais (Author) FEUP; Rey Raap, N (Author) Other; Costa, RS (Author) Other; Clara Pereira (Author) FCUP; Guedes, A (Author) FCUP; Figueiredo, JL (Author) Other; Manuel Fernando R Pereira (Author) FEUP

Journal

The Journal is awaiting validation by the Administrative Services.

Title: Journal of Composites Science

Vol. 4

Final page: 20

ISSN: 2504-477X

Publisher: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 10 Citations

Scopus - 10 Citations

Associated Projects

LA LSRE-LCM - Financiamento Plurianual 2020-2023 para a Unidade LA LSRE-LCM Laboratório de Processos de Separação e Reacção - Laboratório de Catálise e Materiais

UnirCell - Project UniRCell - Unitised Regenerative Fuel Cell for Efficient Renewable Energy Supply: from Materials to Device

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00R-V1Q

DOI: 10.3390/jcs4010020

Abstract (EN): The oxygen reduction reaction is an essential reaction in several energy conversion devices such as fuel cells and batteries. So far, the best performance is obtained by using platinum-based electrocatalysts, which make the devices really expensive, and thus, new and more affordable materials should be designed. Biomass-derived carbons were prepared by hydrothermal carbonization in the presence of carbon nanotubes with different oxygen surface functionalities to evaluate their effect on the final properties. Additionally, nitrogen functional groups were also introduced by ball milling the carbon composite together with melamine. The oxygen groups on the surface of the carbon nanotubes favor their dispersion into the precursor mixture and the formation of a more homogenous carbon structure with higher mechanical strength. This type of structure partially avoids the crushing of the nanotubes and the carbon spheres during the ball milling, resulting in a carbon composite with enhanced electrical conductivity. Undoped and N-doped composites were used as electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction. The onset potential increases by 20% due to the incorporation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nitrogen, which increases the number of active sites and improves the chemical reactivity, while the limiting current density increases by 47% due to the higher electrical conductivity.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 14