The effect of O-functionalities for the electrochemical reduction of oxygen on MWCNTs in acid media

Abstract

The effect for oxygen reduction characteristics of O-functionalities formed on the edge planelike defects at the open ends of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and at the hole defects on the tube walls was investigated by using the rotating disk electrode technique. The onset potential of the electrochemical reduction of oxygen for MWCNTs shifts to the positive direction of 0.19 V, while the O-functionalities were removed from the defects sites. These results suggest that the control of functional groups is important for the control of the oxygen reduction reaction catalyst activity. © 2010 The Electrochemical Society.