AI Chat Paper
Note: Please note that the following content is generated by AMiner AI. SciOpen does not take any responsibility related to this content.
{{lang === 'zh_CN' ? '文章概述' : 'Summary'}}
{{lang === 'en_US' ? '中' : 'Eng'}}
Chat more with AI
Powered by AMiner. Clicking this button will take you away from SciOpen.
Home Nano Research Article
Article Link
Cite
EndNote(RIS) BibTeX
Collect
Submit Manuscript
Show Outline
Outline
Show full outline
Hide outline
Outline
Show full outline
Hide outline
Research Article

Three-dimensional (3D) interconnected networks fabricated via in-situ growth of N-doped graphene/carbon nanotubes on Co-containing carbon nanofibers for enhanced oxygen reduction

Qi Shi1, Yingde Wang1( ), Zhongmin Wang2, Yongpeng Lei3( ), Bing Wang1, Nan Wu1, Cheng Han1, Song Xie1, Yanzi Gou1
Science and Technology on Advanced Ceramic Fibers and Composites LaboratoryNational University of Defense TechnologyChangsha410073China
Guangxi Key Laboratory of Information MaterialsGuilin University of Electronic TechnologyGuilin541004China
College of Basic EducationNational University of Defense TechnologyChangsha410073China
Show Author Information

Graphical Abstract

Abstract

The strategy of combining highly conductive frameworks with abundant active sites is desirable in the preparation of alternative catalysts to commercial Pt/C for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In this study, N-doped graphene (NG) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) were grown in-situ on Co-containing carbon nanofibers (CNF) to form three-dimensional (3D) interconnected networks. The NG and CNT bound the interlaced CNF together, facilitating electron transfer and providing additional active sites. The 3D interconnected fiber networks exhibited excellent ORR catalytic behavior with an onset potential of 0.924 V (vs. reversible hydrogen electrode) and a higher current density than Pt/C beyond 0.720 V. In addition, the hybrid system exhibited superior stability and methanol tolerance to Pt/C in alkaline media. This method can be extended to the design of other 3D interconnected network architectures for energy storage and conversion applications.

Keywords

oxygen reductionN-doped graphenecarbon nanotubesin-situ grownthree-dimensional (3D) interconnected fiber networks

Electronic Supplementary Material

Download File(s)
nr-9-2-317_ESM.pdf (1.2 MB)

References

1

Li, L.; Hu, L. P.; Li, J.; Wei, Z. D. Enhanced stability of Pt nanoparticle electrocatalysts for fuel cells. Nano Res. 2015, 8, 418–440.
Crossref Google Scholar
2

Gong, K. P.; Du, F.; Xia, Z. H.; Durstock, M.; Dai, L. M. Nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube arrays with high electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction. Science 2009, 323, 760–764.
Crossref Google Scholar
3

Chu, S.; Majumdar, A. Opportunities and challenges for a sustainable energy future. Nature 2012, 488, 294–303.
Crossref Google Scholar
4

Wu, G.; More, K. L.; Johnston, C. M.; Zelenay, P. Highperformance electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction derived from polyaniline, iron, and cobalt. Science 2011, 332, 443–447.
Crossref Google Scholar
5

Trogadas, P.; Fuller, T. F.; Strasser, P. Carbon as catalyst and support for electrochemical energy conversion. Carbon 2014, 75, 5–42.
Crossref Google Scholar
6

Paraknowitsch, J. P.; Thomas, A. Doping carbons beyond nitrogen: An overview of advanced heteroatom doped carbons with boron, sulphur and phosphorus for energy applications. Energy Environ. Sci. 2013, 6, 2839–2855.
Crossref Google Scholar
7

Lin, Z. Y.; Waller, G. H.; Liu, Y.; Liu, M. L.; Wong, C. P. Simple preparation of nanoporous few-layer nitrogen-doped graphene for use as an efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions. Carbon 2013, 53, 130–136.
Crossref Google Scholar
8

Yang, S. B.; Zhi, L. J.; Tang, K.; Feng, X. L.; Maier, J.; Mü llen, K. Efficient synthesis of heteroatom (N or S)-doped graphene based on ultrathin graphene oxide-porous silica sheets for oxygen reduction reactions. Adv. Funct. Mater. 2012, 22, 3634–3640.
Crossref Google Scholar
9

Wang, S. Y.; Zhang, L. P.; Xia, Z. H.; Roy, A.; Chang, D. W.; Baek, J. B.; Dai, L. M. BCN graphene as efficient metal-free electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2012, 51, 4209–4212.
Crossref Google Scholar
10

Dou, S.; Shen, A. L.; Tao, L.; Wang, S. Y. Molecular doping of graphene as metal-free electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction. Chem. Commun. 2014, 50, 10672–10675.
Crossref Google Scholar
11

Zhang, Y.; Zhuang, X. D.; Su, Y. Z.; Zhang, F.; Feng, X. L. Polyaniline nanosheet derived B/N co-doped carbon nanosheets as efficient metal-free catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction. J. Mater. Chem. A 2014, 2, 7742–7746.
Crossref Google Scholar
12

Yang, S. B.; Feng, X. L.; Wang, X. C.; Müllen, K. Graphenebased carbon nitride nanosheets as efficient metal-free electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reactions. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2011, 50, 5339–5343.
Crossref Google Scholar
13

Zhao, A. Q.; Masa, J.; Schuhmann, W.; Xia, W. Activation and stabilization of nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes as electrocatalysts in the oxygen reduction reaction at strongly alkaline conditions. J. Phys. Chem. C 2013, 117, 24283–24291.
Crossref Google Scholar
14

Wang, S. Y.; Iyyamperumal, E.; Roy, A.; Xue, Y. H.; Yu, D. S.; Dai, L. M. Vertically aligned BCN nanotubes as efficient metal-free electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction: A synergetic effect by co-doping with boron and nitrogen. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2011, 50, 11756–11760.
Crossref Google Scholar
15

Liu, D.; Zhang, X. P.; Sun, Z. C.; You, T. Y. Free-standing nitrogen-doped carbon nanofiber films as highly efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction. Nanoscale 2013, 5, 9528–9531.
Crossref Google Scholar
16

Kumar, P. S.; Sundaramurthy, J.; Subramanian, S.; Babu, V. J.; Singh, G.; Allakhverdiev, S. I.; Ramakrishna, S. Hierarchical electrospun nanofibers for energy harvesting, production and environmental remediation. Energy Environ. Sci. 2014, 7, 3192–3222.
Crossref Google Scholar
17

Inagaki, M.; Yang, Y.; Kang, F. Y. Carbon nanofibers prepared via electrospinning. Adv. Mater. 2012, 24, 2547–2566.
Crossref Google Scholar
18

Guo, L. P.; Bai, J.; Liang, H. O.; Li, C. P.; Sun, W. Y.; Meng, Q. R. Preparation and application of carbon nanofiberssupported palladium nanoparticles catalysts based on electrospinning. J. Inorg. Mater. 2014, 29, 814–820.
Crossref Google Scholar
19

Zhang, C. L.; Yu, S. H. Nanoparticles meet electrospinning: Recent advances and future prospects. Chem. Soc. Rev. 2014, 43, 4423–4448.
Crossref Google Scholar
20

Wang, Y. D.; Han, C.; Zheng, D. C.; Lei, Y. P. Large-scale, flexible and high-temperature resistant ZrO2/SiC ultrafine fibers with a radial gradient composition. J. Mater. Chem. A 2014, 2, 9607–9612.
Crossref Google Scholar
21

Wang, H. G.; Yuan, S.; Ma, D. L.; Zhang, X. B.; Yan, J. M. Electrospun materials for lithium and sodium rechargeable batteries: From structure evolution to electrochemical performance. Energy Environ. Sci. 2015, 8, 1660–1681.
Crossref Google Scholar
22

Li, X. H.; Antonietti, M. Polycondensation of boron- and nitrogen-codoped holey graphene monoliths from molecules: Carbocatalysts for selective oxidation. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2013, 52, 4572–4576.
Crossref Google Scholar
23

Wang, X. R.; Li, X. L.; Zhang, L.; Yoon, Y.; Networker, P. K.; Wang, H. L.; Guo, J.; Dai, H. J. N-doping of graphene through electrothermal reactions with ammonia. Science 2009, 324, 768–771.
Crossref Google Scholar
24

Dallmeyer, I.; Lin, L. T.; Li, Y. J.; Ko, F.; Kadla, J. F. Preparation and characterization of interconnected, kraft lignin-based carbon fibrous materials by electrospinning. Macromol. Mater. Eng. 2014, 299, 540–551.
Crossref Google Scholar
25

Cheng, Y. L.; Huang, L.; Xiao, X.; Yao, B.; Yuan, L. Y.; Li, T. Q.; Hu, Z. M.; Wang, B.; Wan, J.; Zhou, J. Flexible and cross-linked N-doped carbon nanofiber network for high performance freestanding supercapacitor electrode. Nano Energy 2015, 15, 66–74.
Crossref Google Scholar
26

Ye, T. N.; Lv, L. B.; Li, X. H.; Xu, M.; Chen, J. S. Strongly veined carbon nanoleaves as a highly efficient metal-free electrocatalyst. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2014, 53, 6905–6909.
Crossref Google Scholar
27

Park, M.; Jung, Y. J.; Kim, J.; Lee, H. I.; Cho, J. Synergistic effect of carbon nanofiber/nanotube composite catalyst on carbon felt electrode for high-performance all-vanadium redox flow battery. Nano Lett. 2013, 13, 4833–4839.
Crossref Google Scholar
28

Liang, Y. Y.; Wang, H. L.; Diao, P.; Chang, W.; Hong, G. S.; Li, Y. G.; Gong, M.; Xie, L. M.; Zhou, J. G.; Wang, J. et al. Oxygen reduction electrocatalyst based on strongly coupled cobalt oxide nanocrystals and carbon nanotubes. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2012, 134, 15849–15857.
Crossref Google Scholar
29

Zhang, B.; Huang, J. Q.; Kim, J. K. Ultrafine amorphous SnOx embedded in carbon nanofiber/carbon nanotube composites for Li-ion and Na-ion batteries. Adv. Funct. Mater. 2015, 25, 5222–5228.
Crossref Google Scholar
30

Lü, Y. Y.; Wang, Y. T.; Li, H. L.; Lin, Y.; Jiang, Z. Y.; Xie, Z. X.; Kuang, Q.; Zheng, L. S. MOF-derived porous Co/C nanocomposites with excellent electromagnetic wave absorption properties. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2015, 7, 13604–13611.
Crossref Google Scholar
31

Wang, B.; Wang, Y. D.; Lei, Y. P.; Wu, N.; Gou, Y. Z.; Han, C.; Fang, D. Hierarchically porous SiC ultrathin fibers mat with enhanced mass transport, amphipathic property and high-temperature erosion resistance. J. Mater. Chem. A 2014, 2, 20873–20881.
Crossref Google Scholar
32

Liang, Y. Y.; Li, Y. G.; Wang, H. L.; Zhou, J. G.; Wang, J.; Regier, T.; Dai, H. J. Co3O4 nanocrystals on graphene as a synergistic catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction. Nat. Mater. 2011, 10, 780–786.
Crossref Google Scholar
33

Liu, Z. W.; Peng, F.; Wang, H. J.; Yu, H.; Zheng, W. X.; Yang, J. Phosphorus-doped graphite layers with high electrocatalytic activity for the O2 reduction in an alkaline medium. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2011, 50, 3257–3261.
Crossref Google Scholar
34

Liang, J.; Jiao, Y.; Jaroniec, M.; Qiao, S. Z. Sulfur and nitrogen dual-doped mesoporous graphene electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction with synergistically enhanced performance. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2012, 51, 11496–11500.
Crossref Google Scholar
35

Han, C.; Wang, Y. D.; Lei, Y. P.; Wang, B.; Wu, N.; Shi, Q.; Li, Q. In situ synthesis of graphitic-C3N4 nanosheet hybridized N-doped TiO2 nanofibers for efficient photocatalytic H2 production and degradation. Nano Res. 2015, 8, 1199–1209.
Crossref Google Scholar
36

Zou, X. X.; Huang, X. X.; Goswami, A.; Silva, R.; Sathe, B. R.; Mikmeková, E.; Asefa, T. Cobalt-embedded nitrogen-rich carbon nanotubes efficiently catalyze hydrogen evolution reaction at all pH values. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2014, 53, 4372–4376.
Crossref Google Scholar
37

Huang, D. K.; Luo, Y. P.; Li, S. H.; Zhang, B. Y.; Shen, Y.; Wang, M. K. Active catalysts based on cobalt oxide@cobalt/ N–C nanocomposites for oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline solutions. Nano Res. 2014, 7, 1054–1064.
Crossref Google Scholar
38

Jagadeesh, R. V.; Junge, H.; Pohl, M. M.; Radnik, J.; Brü ckner, A.; Beller, M. Selective oxidation of alcohols to esters using heterogeneous Co3O4–N@C catalysts under mild conditions. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2013, 135, 10776–10782.
Crossref Google Scholar
39

Liu, Z. Y.; Zhang, G. X.; Lu, Z. Y.; Jin, X. Y.; Chang, Z.; Sun, X. M. One-step scalable preparation of N-doped nanoporous carbon as a high-performance electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction. Nano Res. 2013, 6, 293–301.
Crossref Google Scholar
40

Yan, M.; Song, W.; Chen, Z. H. In situ growth of a carbon interphase between carbon fibres and a polycarbosilanederived silicon carbide matrix. Carbon 2011, 49, 2869–2872.
Crossref Google Scholar
41

Wu, N.; Wang, Y. D.; Lei, Y. P.; Wang, B.; Han, C. Flexible N-doped TiO2/C ultrafine fiber mat and its photocatalytic activity under simulated sunlight. Appl. Surf. Sci. 2014, 319, 136–142.
Crossref Google Scholar
42

Xie, S.; Wang, Y. D.; Lei, Y. P.; Wang, B.; Wu, N.; Guo, Y. Z.; Fang, D. A simply prepared flexible SiBOC ultrafine fiber mat with enhanced high-temperature stability and chemical resistance. RSC Adv. 2015, 5, 64911–64917.
Crossref Google Scholar
43

Choi, C. H.; Park, S. H.; Woo, S. I. Binary and ternary doping of nitrogen, boron, and phosphorus into carbon for enhancing electrochemical oxygen reduction activity. ACS Nano 2012, 6, 7084–7091.
Crossref Google Scholar
44

Zheng, Y.; Jiao, Y.; Ge, L.; Jaroniec, M.; Qiao, S. Z. Two-step boron and nitrogen doping in graphene for enhanced synergistic catalysis. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2013, 52, 3110–3116.
Crossref Google Scholar
45

Kang, Y.; Chu, Z. Y.; Zhang, D. J.; Li, G. Y.; Jiang, Z. H.; Cheng, H. F.; Li, X. D. Incorporate boron and nitrogen into graphene to make BCN hybrid nanosheets with enhanced microwave absorbing properties. Carbon 2013, 61, 200–208.
Crossref Google Scholar
46

Wood, K. N.; O' Hayre, R.; Pylypenko, S. Recent progress on nitrogen/carbon structures designed for use in energy and sustainability applications. Energy Environ. Sci. 2014, 7, 1212–1249.
Crossref Google Scholar
47

Artyushkova, K.; Kiefer, B.; Halevi, B.; Knop-Gericke, A.; Schlogl, R.; Atanassov, P. Density functional theory calculations of XPS binding energy shift for nitrogencontaining graphene-like structures. Chem. Commun. 2013, 49, 2539–2541.
Crossref Google Scholar
48

Lee, J. S.; Park, G. S.; Kim, S. T.; Liu, M. L.; Cho, J. A highly efficient electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction: N-doped ketjenblack incorporated into Fe/Fe3C-functionalized melamine foam. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2013, 52, 1026–1030.
Crossref Google Scholar
49

Saadi, F. H.; Carim, A. I.; Verlage, E.; Hemminger, J. C.; Lewis, N. S.; Soriaga, M. P. CoP as an acid-stable active electrocatalyst for the hydrogen-evolution reaction: Electrochemical synthesis, interfacial characterization and performance evaluation. J. Phys. Chem. C 2014, 118, 29294–29300.
Crossref Google Scholar
50

Liang, J.; Du, X.; Gibson, C.; Du, X. W.; Qiao, S. Z. N-doped graphene natively grown on hierarchical ordered porous carbon for enhanced oxygen reduction. Adv. Mater. 2013, 25, 6226–6231.
Crossref Google Scholar
51

Liang, J.; Zhou, R. F.; Chen, X. M.; Tang, Y. H.; Qiao, S. Z. Fe–N decorated hybrids of CNTs grown on hierarchically porous carbon for high-performance oxygen reduction. Adv. Mater. 2014, 26, 6074–6079.
Crossref Google Scholar
52

Kim, M.; Nam, D. H.; Park, H. Y.; Kwon, C.; Eom, K.; Yoo, S. J.; Jang, J. H.; Kim, H. J.; Cho, E.; Kwon, H. Cobalt–carbon nanofibers as an efficient support-free catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction with a systematic study of active site formation. J. Mater. Chem. A 2015, 3, 14284–14290.
Crossref Google Scholar
53

Wu, J. F.; Yuan, X. Z.; Martin, J. J.; Wang, H. J.; Zhang, J. J.; Shen, J.; Wu, S. H.; Merida, W. A review of PEM fuel cell durability: Degradation mechanisms and mitigation strategies. J. Power. Sources 2008, 184, 104–119.
Crossref Google Scholar
54

Liang, J.; Zheng, Y.; Chen, J.; Liu, J.; Hulicova-Jurcakova, D.; Jaroniec, M.; Qiao, S. Z. Facile oxygen reduction on a three-dimensionally ordered macroporous graphitic C3N4/carbon composite electrocatalyst. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2012, 51, 3892–3896.
Crossref Google Scholar
55

Qu, L. T.; Liu, Y.; Baek, J. B.; Dai, L. M. Nitrogen-doped graphene as efficient metal-free electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction in fuel cells. ACS Nano 2010, 4, 1321–1326.
Crossref Google Scholar
Nano Research
Volume 9 Issue 2,
February 2016
Pages 317-328
DOI: 10.1007/s12274-015-0911-y
Cite this article:
Shi Q, Wang Y, Wang Z, et al. Three-dimensional (3D) interconnected networks fabricated via in-situ growth of N-doped graphene/carbon nanotubes on Co-containing carbon nanofibers for enhanced oxygen reduction. Nano Research, 2016, 9(2): 317-328. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12274-015-0911-y

739

Views

71

Crossref

N/A

Web of Science

76

Scopus

12

CSCD

Altmetrics
Received: 19 July 2015
Revised: 30 September 2015
Accepted: 04 October 2015
Published: 10 December 2015
© Tsinghua University Press and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2015
Return