Evaluating the Growth of Ceria-Modified N-Doped Carbon-Based Materials and Their Performance in the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Abstract

Owning to their distinctive electronic structure, rare-earth-based catalysts exhibit good performance in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and can replace commercial Pt/C. In this study, CeO2-modified N-doped C-based materials were synthesized using salt template and high-temperature calcination methods, and the synthesis conditions were optimized. The successful synthesis of CeO2–CN–800 was confirmed through a series of characterization methods and electrochemical tests. The test results show that the material has the peak onset potential of 0.90 V and the half-wave potential of 0.84 V, and has good durability and methanol resistance. The material demonstrates good ORR catalytic performance and can be used in Zn–air batteries. Moreover, it is an excellent catalyst for new energy equipment.

Keywords

• rare-earth oxide
• heteroatom doping
• oxygen reduction reaction
• Zn–air battery