Exploring the Potential of Heteroatom-Doped Graphene Nanoribbons as a Catalyst for Oxygen Reduction

Author(s)

Cardoso, Eduardo S. F. ; Fortunato, Guilherme V. ; Rodrigues, Clauber D. ; Lanza, Marcos R. V. ; Maia, Gilberto

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: NANOMATERIALS; v. 13, n. 21, p. 22-pg., 2023-11-01.

Abstract

In this study, we created a series of N, S, and P-doped and co-doped carbon catalysts using a single graphene nanoribbon (GNR) matrix and thoroughly evaluated the impact of doping on ORR activity and selectivity in acidic, neutral, and alkaline conditions. The results obtained showed no significant changes in the GNR structure after the doping process, though changes were observed in the surface chemistry in view of the heteroatom insertion and oxygen depletion. Of all the dopants investigated, nitrogen (mainly in the form of pyrrolic-N and graphitic-N) was the most easily inserted and detected in the carbon matrix. The electrochemical analyses conducted showed that doping impacted the performance of the catalyst in ORR through changes in the chemical composition of the catalyst, as well as in the double-layer capacitance and electrochemically accessible surface area. In terms of selectivity, GNR doped with phosphorus and sulfur favored the 2e- ORR pathway, while nitrogen favored the 4e- ORR pathway. These findings can provide useful insights into the design of more efficient and versatile catalytic materials for ORR in different electrolyte solutions, based on functionalized carbon. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/50945-4 - INCT 2014: National Institute for Alternative Technologies of Detection, Toxicological Evaluation and Removal of Micropollutants and Radioactivies
• Grantee: Maria Valnice Boldrin
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/10118-0 - Study and application of electrochemical technology for the analysis and degradation of endocrine interferents: materials, sensors, processes and scientific dissemination
• Grantee: Marcos Roberto de Vasconcelos Lanza
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 23/01425-7 - Development of carbon/non-noble metal based electrocatalysts for hydrogen peroxide generation in environmental applications
• Grantee: Marcos Roberto de Vasconcelos Lanza
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/04421-7 - Production and characterization of metal-graphene or graphene oxide nanocomposites for the electrocatalytic production of hydrogen peroxide: Application to the degradation of endocrine disrupting chemicals by electrochemical advanced oxidation processes
• Grantee: Guilherme Vilalba Fortunato
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 23/10772-2 - Development of carbon/non-noble metal based electrocatalysts for hydrogen peroxide generation in environmental applications
• Grantee: Eduardo dos Santos Freitas Cardoso
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Support Program for Fixating Young Doctors