Highly efficient supporting material derived from used cigarette filter for oxygen reduction reaction

• N-doped carbon (NCF) was synthesized via recycling used-cigarette filters.
• NCF exhibited ORR kinetics without loading Pt.
• N-dopant acted as nucleation sites for Pt nanoparticles, leading to high dispersion.
• Pt/NCF showed higher electrocatalytic behavior than that for commercial Pt/C.

Bimodal porous nitrogen (N) doped carbon supported Pt composite was prepared as a catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The N-doped carbon (NCF) support was obtained via one-pot pyrolysis of the used cigarette filters. Physical characterizations and electrochemical tests proved that the presence of N dopant on the surface of the NCF not only provided highly dispersive active sites for the growth of the Pt nanoparticles but also the active centers for ORR itself. It was demonstrated that these combinative effects contributed on higher ORR activity and durability than those for the commercial carbon (Vulcan XC) supported Pt composites.

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