Comparative study of single and bimetal-nitrogen-doped carbon prepared by polymerization and direct pyrolysis

Abstract

The objective of this research is to illustrate the effects of using transition metals and nitrogen-doped carbon obtained from the polymerization process. The pyrolysis method is chosen to optimize the role of each catalytic component such as metal precursors, nitrogen, and carbon source. Metal Precursors have distinct characteristics based on both electrochemical measurement and other characterizations. Based on Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) measurement, Ni–C–N material possesses the highest current density compared to other single metal-based catalysts. Therefore, in the utilization of dual metal catalysts, FeNi–C–N possesses the highest current density among other dual metals. The total metal loading of FeNi–C–N catalysts is 8.61% as obtained in Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX), which shows the optimal value to obtain the proper electrochemical properties. The formation of oxide compounds from the combination of dual metals acts as a catalyst performance enhancer. The CN bond seen in FTIR analysis shows the existence of bond interaction of C and N atoms after polymerization and pyrolysis processes. The FeNi–C–N sample also shows a more even nitrogen distribution and a more homogenous particle size on the surface of carbon, which allows a higher surface area in FeNi–C–N catalysts. It was proven by high specific surface area and pore volume which enhance the ORR activity via a two-step two-electron pathway.

Keywords

• Bimetal catalyst
• Pyrolysis
• Carbon
• Nitrogen source
• Cyclic voltammetry