Reduced Graphene Oxide-Supported Iron-Cobalt Alloys as High-Performance Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Abstract

Exploring non-precious metal-based catalysts for oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) as a substitute for precious metal catalysts has attracted great attention in recent times. In this paper, we report a general methodology for preparing nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (N–rGO)-supported, FeCo alloy (FeCo@N–rGO)-based catalysts for ORR. The structure of the FeCo@N–rGO based catalysts is investigated using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transition electron microscopy, etc. Results show that the FeCo alloy is supported by the rGO and carbon that derives from the organic ligand of Fe and Co ions. The eletrocatalytic performance is examined by cyclic voltammetry, linear scanning voltammetry, Tafel, electrochemical spectroscopy impedance, rotate disc electrode, and rotate ring disc electrode, etc. Results show that FeCo@N–rGO based catalysts exhibit an onset potential of 0.98 V (vs. RHE) and a half-wave potential of 0.93 V (vs. RHE). The excellent catalytic performance of FeCo@N–rGO is ascribed to its large surface area and the synergistic effect between FeCo alloy and N–rGO, which provides a large number of active sites and a sufficient surface area.

Keywords

• oxygen reduction reaction
• FeCo alloys
• nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide
• catalysts