Bifunctional rare metal-free electrocatalysts synthesized entirely from biomass resources

Abstract

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are important processes for various energy devices, including polymer electrolyte fuel cells, rechargeable metal–air batteries, and water electrolyzers. We herein report the preparation of a rare metal-free and highly efficient ORR/OER electrocatalyst by calcination of a mixture of blood meal and ascidian-derived cellulose nanofibers. The obtained carbon alloys showed high ORR/OER performances and proved to be promising electrocatalysts. The carbon alloys synthesized entirely from biomass resources not only lead to a new electrocatalyst fabrication process but also contribute to CO2 reduction and the realization of a good life-cycle assessment value in fabrication of a sustainable energy device.

Keywords

• biomass resources
• electrocatalysts
• oxygen reduction
• oxygen evolution
• cellulose nanofibers