Production of P, N Co-doped Graphene-Based Materials by a Solution Process and Their Electrocatalytic Performance for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Abstract

Graphene-based materials are promising as metal-free, cost-effective electrocatalysts owing to their feasibility for mass production and excellent electrochemical properties. Recently, heteroatom co-doping of graphene networks has been identified as a promising route to produce efficient electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In this study, we have synthesized a P, N co-doped graphene-based material (N−P−rG−O) using a two-step solution process in which graphene oxide is sequentially reacted with phytic acid and ammonium hydroxide in water. The N−P−rG−O catalyst exhibits an onset potential for the ORR in basic medium (0.1 M KOH) of 0.89 V (vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode), following a four-electron pathway and showing excellent stability against methanol poisoning in durability tests.