One-step synthesis of boron and nitrogen-dual-self-doped graphene sheets as non-metal catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction

• Published in: Journal of materials chemistry. A, Materials for energy and sustainability Vol. 1; no. 46; pp. 14700 - 14705
• Main Authors: Zhu, Jinliang, He, Chunyong, Li, Yunyong, Kang, Shuai, Shen, Pei Kang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.01.2013
• Subjects: amines; boron; catalysts; cobalt; electrochemistry; energy-dispersive X-ray analysis; furnaces; graphene; ions; nitrogen; platinum; Raman spectroscopy; scanning electron microscopy; thermal degradation; transmission electron microscopy; X-ray diffraction; X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
• ISSN: 2050-7488; 2050-7496; 2050-7496
• DOI: 10.1039/c3ta13318d

A facile method has been used to synthesize boron and nitrogen-dual-self-doped graphene sheets (BNGs). The procedures include a borane-tert-butylamine complex as the precursor to impregnate with a certain amount of cobalt ions, then thermolysis in a tube furnace. The synthesized boron and nitrogen-dual-self-doped graphene sheets are systematically characterized by XRD, Raman spectra, XPS, SEM, EDS, TEM and EELS. Analysis results show that nitrogen and boron atoms are successfully self-doped into the graphene sheets. The BNG-1000 indicates the nitrogen and boron doping levels of 7.72 at.% and 7.18 at.%, respectively. The BNGs show a remarkable activity and high stability for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). An onset potential of 0.95 V which is close to that of Pt/C and a well-defined limiting current plateau for the ORR is observed in alkaline media. It has been evidenced that the catalyst is very stable and without degradation after 5000 cycles.