Cobalt–nickel bimetallic hybridized nitrogen-doped hierarchical porous carbon as efficient oxygen reduction electrocatalyst

• Published in: Journal of materials science. Materials in electronics 2024-06, Vol.35 (17), p.1165, Article 1165
• Main Authors: Huang, Jie-Ping, Pan, Qiu-Ren, Jiang, Hui-Huan, Zhou, Xiao-Feng, Li, Nan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alternative energy; Bimetals; Carbon; Catalysts; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemical synthesis; Chemistry and Materials Science; Cobalt; Electrocatalysts; Electrodes; Electrolytes; Electrons; Energy storage; Energy technology; Materials Science; Metal air batteries; Morphology; Nickel; Nitrogen; Optical and Electronic Materials; Platinum; Pore size; Precious metals; Renewable resources; Silicon dioxide; Voltammetry; Zinc; Zinc-oxygen batteries
• ISSN: 0957-4522; 1573-482X
• DOI: 10.1007/s10854-024-12948-z

Efficient and cost-effective non-precious metal catalysts play a crucial role in the evolution of energy storage and conversion technologies. This work introduces a novel cobalt–nickel bimetallic catalyst (Co x /Ni y –N–C), synthesized via SiO 2 spheres as templates and ZIF-8 as precursors, aiming to address this critical need. The Co 1 Ni 1 –N–C catalyst, synthesized with a 1:1 Co to Ni doping ratio, displayed exceptional electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction. Its impressive half-wave potential of 0.81 V and limiting current density of 4.89 mA cm −2 nearly approached those of Pt/C catalysts (0.82 V and 5.09 mA cm −2 ), showcasing its competitive edge. Integration of the Co 1 Ni 1 –N–C catalyst into a zinc-air battery demonstrated substantial promise, yielding a commendable power density of 185.17 mW cm −2 , marginally trailing behind the commercial Pt/C catalyst (198.33 mW cm −2 ). By offering a cost-effective alternative without compromising efficiency, this research significantly contributes to the wider adoption of sustainable energy technologies.