Strongly Coupled Rhodium/Graphene Hybrids for H2O2 Oxidation with Ultra-Low Potential and Enhanced Activity

Abstract

Developing nanostructured electrocatalysts, with low overpotential and high activity, has fundamental and technical importance in many fields. A new electrocatalyst for H2O2 oxidation based on strongly coupled rhodium nanocrystal/reduced graphene oxide (Rh/RGO) hybrid nanomaterials is described. The Rh/RGO nanohybrids markedly reduce the oxidation potential to about +0.1V, which is 0.5V lower than that of a traditional platinum electrode. The nanohybrids have a strong synergetic effect and are catalytically more active than single-component Rh and RGO and state-of-the-art commercial Rh/C catalysts. Better than the sum of its parts: A strongly coupled rhodium/reduced graphene oxide (Rh/RGO; see picture) hybrid electrocatalyst, with an ultra-low potential and high activity for H2O2 oxidation, is described. The catalytic activity is more efficient than that of single-component Rh and RGO and state-of-the-art commercial rhodium/carbon (Rh/C) catalysts.