Preparation of Nitrogen-Doped Graphene By Solvothermal Process as Supporting Material for Fuel Cell Catalysts

Abstract

Development of efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is one of the most important issues for optimizing the performance of fuel cells and metal-air batteries. The introduction of nitrogen into carbon nanostructures has created new pathways for the development of non-precious electrocatalysts in fuel cells. In this work, nitrogen-doped graphene (NG) was synthesized by a low temperature solvothermal process to use as catalyst supports for oxygen reduction reactions (ORR). The morphology of the NG was studied using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that graphitic (Quaternary), pyridinic and pyridinic oxidized nitrogen formed by designed reaction and these types of nitrogen configurations has been found to be responsible for the ORR catalytic activity of N-doped carbon material. Cyclic voltammetry and linear sweep voltammetry were used to measure electrocatalytic activity. Electrochemical characterization reveal that the produced NG not only as support but also as catalyst has good catalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline media.