Graphitized carbon nanosheets doped with phosphorus heteroatoms and molybdenum phosphide nanoparticles: A novel cathodic catalyst for fuel cell applications

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds Vol. 991; p. 174484
• Main Authors: Tran, Vy Anh, Thi Vo, Thu-Thao, Doan, Van Dat, Nguyen, L.M., Van Tran, H., Le, Van Thuan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 05.07.2024
• Subjects: Electrocatalyst; Molybdenum phosphide nanoparticles; Oxygen reduction reaction; Phosphorus-doped carbon layer; Electrocatalyst; Molybdenum phosphide nanoparticles; Phosphorus-doped carbon layer; Oxygen reduction reaction
• ISSN: 0925-8388; 1873-4669
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2024.174484

High-efficiency catalysts are required for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel cell applications. Herein, we present a novel hybrid material that is based on uniformly deposited nanoscale molybdenum phosphide (MoxPy) nanoparticles on the structure of graphene nanolayers doped with phosphorus atoms (PG). With a positive onset potential of only −0.046 V and a half-wave potential value of roughly −0.17 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), the obtained hybrid showed good catalytic activity for ORR in 0.1 M KOH electrolyte. It also demonstrated remarkable durability for oxygen reduction reaction in 0.1 M KOH electrolyte when compared to state-of-the-art Pt/C material. The excellent ORR performance can be correlated to the development of a highly conducting microporous structure with highly active sites, which in turn encourages optimal adsorption of intermediates during the ORR process and thus enhances the catalytic process. This work can open a new path for the growth of promising highly efficient catalysts for affordable fuel cell applications. [Display omitted] •Uniform MoxPy nanoparticles dispersed P-doped G was prepared by a facile route.•The hybrid offered high catalytic performance for ORR, close to Pt/C.•The synergistic effect from MoxPy and P-doped Gr produced enhanced ORR performance.•The hybrid showed much better durability and methanol tolerance than Pt/C.