Synthesis and X‑ray Characterization of Cobalt Phosphide (Co2P) Nanorods for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

• Published in: ACS nano Vol. 9; no. 8; pp. 8108 - 8115
• Main Authors: Doan-Nguyen, Vicky V. T, Zhang, Sen, Trigg, Edward B, Agarwal, Rahul, Li, Jing, Su, Dong, Winey, Karen I, Murray, Christopher B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Chemical Society 25.08.2015
• Subjects: cobalt phosphide nanorods; electrocatalysis; ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY; oxygen reduction reaction; oxygen reduction reaction; cobalt phosphide nanorods; electrocatalysis
• ISSN: 1936-0851; 1936-086X
• DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.5b02191

Low temperature fuel cells are clean, effective alternative fuel conversion technology. Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the fuel cell cathode has required Pt as the electrocatalyst for high activity and selectivity of the four-electron reaction pathway. Targeting a less expensive, earth abundant alternative, we have developed the synthesis of cobalt phosphide (Co2P) nanorods for ORR. Characterization techniques that include total X-ray scattering and extended X-ray absorption fine structure revealed a deviation of the nanorods from bulk crystal structure with a contraction along the b orthorhombic lattice parameter. The carbon supported nanorods have comparable activity but are remarkably more stable than conventional Pt catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline environments.