Graphene supported Co-g-C3N4 as a novel metal-macrocyclic electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction in fuel cells.

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) polymer was doped with cobalt species and supported on a similar sp(2) structure graphene, to form a novel nitrogen-metal macrocyclic catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline fuel cells. The structural characterizations confirmed the formation of Co-N bonds and the close electron coupling between Co-g-C3N4 and graphene sheets. The electrocatalytic measurements demonstrated Co-g-C3N4-catalyzed reduction of oxygen mainly in a four electron pathway. The improvement of ORR activity is closely related to the abundant accessible Co-Nx active sites and fast charge transfer at the interfaces of Co-g-C3N4/graphene. Also, Co-g-C3N4@graphene exhibited comparable ORR activity, better durability, and methanol tolerance ability in comparison to Pt/C, and bodes well for a promising non-noble cathode catalyst for the application of direct methanol fuel cells. The chemical doping strategy in this work would be helpful to improve other present catalysts for fuel cell applications.