One-step plasma electrochemical synthesis and oxygen electrocatalysis of nanocomposite of few-layer graphene structures with cobalt oxides

• Published in: Materials today energy Vol. 17; p. 100459
• Main Authors: Kotkin, A.S., Kochergin, V.K., Kabachkov, E.N., Shulga, Y.M., Lobach, A.S., Manzhos, R.A., Krivenko, A.G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2020
• Subjects: Cobalt oxides; Electrochemical exfoliation of graphite; Electrolytic plasma; Few-layer graphene structures; Oxygen reduction reaction; Few-layer graphene structures; Cobalt oxides; Electrochemical exfoliation of graphite; Oxygen reduction reaction; Electrolytic plasma
• ISSN: 2468-6069; 2468-6069
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mtener.2020.100459

One-step synthesis of the nanocomposite of few-layer graphene structures with cobalt oxides was realized using the method of electrochemical exfoliation of graphite. The exfoliation process was carried out in alternating anodic-cathodic plasma mode in 1 M Na2SO4 + 0.01 M CoSO4 solution. Obtained nanocomposite was characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron and Raman spectroscopy. Besides, a catalytic activity of the nanocomposite of few-layer graphene structures with cobalt oxides towards the oxygen reduction reaction was assessed, and a considerable decrease in the oxygen reduction overpotential and an electron transfer number of ca. 3.6 were demonstrated. The observed effect was found to be caused by 40 wt% of cobalt (II) and (III) oxides in the nanocomposite. [Display omitted] •Plasma-assisted electrochemical exfoliation of graphite was carried out.•The process was realized in 1 M Na2SO4 + 0.01 M CoSO4 solution.•The nanocomposite of few-layer graphene structures with cobalt oxides was produced.•XPS analysis reveals Co2+ and Co3+ on the surface of obtained nanocomposite.•The nanocomposite demonstrates high catalytic activity towards ORR.