Pyridine-functionalized graphene oxide, an efficient metal free electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction

• Published in: Electrochimica acta Vol. 194; pp. 95 - 103
• Main Authors: Ensafi, Ali A., Jafari-Asl, Mehdi, Rezaei, B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 10.03.2016
• Subjects: Catalytic activity; Electrocatalyst; Electrocatalysts; Graphene; Graphene nanosheets; Oxides; Oxygen; Oxygen reduction reaction; Platinum; Pyridine functionalized graphene nanosheet; Pyridines; Reduction; Graphene nanosheets; Electrocatalyst; Pyridine functionalized graphene nanosheet; Oxygen reduction reaction
• ISSN: 0013-4686; 1873-3859
• DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2016.01.221

[Display omitted] •A novel approach to prepare pyridine functionalized graphene nanosheets is developed.•The electrochemical behavior of Py-rGO for the reduction of oxygen was studied.•The results showed that Py-rGO has high electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction.•Py-rGO has high electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction vs. N-doped graphene oxide. Here, a novel approach for the preparation of pyridine functionalized graphene nanosheets (Py-EGO) is developed. Using a simple thermal treatment, pyridine was linked to reduced graphene oxide using epoxy group or hydroxyl group that existing at a surface of the graphene. The electrochemical behavior of Py-EGO for the reduction of oxygen was studied. The results showed that the new nanocomposite has a powerful potential as an electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) especially compare to N-doped graphene oxide, in alkaline solution. In addition, the Py-EGO electrocatalyst exhibited tolerance to methanol crossover effect. The results of our studies indicate that Py-EGO has a better durability, much higher selectivity, much better electrochemical stability and high catalytic activity towards the ORR than that of commercial Pt/C electrocatalyst. The Pt-free electrocatalyst improves catalytic activity and reduce the cost of electrocatalyst for ORR. The proposed simple method for synthesize Py-EGO electrocatalyst promising its further application in fuel cells.