Poly-o-toluidine cobalt supported on ordered mesoporous carbon as an efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction

Polymer–metal complex of poly-o-toluidine (POT) with cobalt supported on ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) was prepared by the reaction of cobalt nitrite and POT in the presence of OMC. This new POT–Co–OMC composite was used as a cathode material for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The electroconductive polymer of the as-obtained composite provides active sites (Co–N), and in addition OMC has a high specific surface area for achieving high dispersion of POT–Co. This unique structure facilitates the reduction of oxygen via a four-electron pathway in alkaline conditions. The POT–Co–OMC catalyst also exhibits excellent anti-crossover effect to methanol oxidation in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), superior to the commercial Pt/C catalyst. Such a novel polymer–metal complex can provide a platform for a new generation of non-precious metal catalyst for fuel cell applications.

► Simple synthesis of poly-o-toluidine (POT) with cobalt (Co) supported on ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC)
► Good electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction at POT–Co–OMC in alkaline solution
► Excellent tolerance to fuel crossover effect at POT–Co–OMC electrode