Core-shell graphene@amorphous carbon composites supported platinum catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction

A core-shell graphene nanosheets (GNS) and amorphous carbon composite (GNS@a-C) was prepared by a chlorination method and used as a highly efficient catalyst support for oxygen reduction reaction. Herein, GNS as a shell, with excellent conductivity, high surface area, and corrosion resistance, served as a protecting coating to alleviate the degradation of amorphous carbon core. Platinum nanoparticles were homogeneously deposited on the carbon support (Pt/GNS@a-C) and showed a good catalytic activity and a higher electrochemical stability when compared with a commercial Pt/C catalyst. The mass activity of Pt/GNS@a-C catalyst was 0.121 A/mg, which was almost twice as high as that of Pt/C (0.064 A/mg). Moreover, Pt/GNS@a-C retained 51% of its initial electrochemical specific area after 4000 operating cycles when compared with Pt/C (33%). Thus, the prepared catalyst featured excellent electrochemical stability, showing promise for application in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells.

Graphical AbstractCore-shell graphene nanosheets@amorphous carbon (GNS@a-C) composite, as a highly efficient catalyst support, displays excellent oxygen reduction reaction activity and high electrochemical stability.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide