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Proposal of a Facile Method to Fabricate a Multi-Dope Multiwall Carbon Nanotube as a Metal-Free Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Author

Listed:
  • Sara Bakhtavar

    (Department of Chemistry, Central Tehran Branch Islamic Azad University, Tehran 16511, Iran)

  • Mehdi Mehrpooya

    (Department of Renewable Energies and Environment, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran 14179, Iran)

  • Mahboobeh Manoochehri

    (Department of Chemistry, Central Tehran Branch Islamic Azad University, Tehran 16511, Iran)

  • Mehrnoosh Karimkhani

    (Department of Chemistry, Central Tehran Branch Islamic Azad University, Tehran 16511, Iran)

Abstract

In this study, a one-pot, low-temperature synthesis method is considered for the fabrication of heteroatom dope multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). Doped MWCNT is utilized as an effective electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Single, double, and triple doping of boron, nitrogen and sulfur elements are utilized as the dopants. A reflux system with temperature of 180 °C is implemented in the doping procedure. Actually, unlike the previous studies in which doping on the carbon structures was performed using a furnace at temperatures above 700 °C, in this green and sustainable method, the triple doping on MWCNT is conducted at atmospheric pressure and low temperature. The morphology and structure of the fabricated catalysts were evaluated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman spectroscopy. According to the results, the nanoparticles were encapsulated in the carbon nanotubes. Aggregated clusters of the sulfur in the case of S-MWCNT are considerable. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), rotating disk electrode, linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), and chronoamperometry electrochemical tests are employed for assessing the oxygen reduction activity of the catalysts. The results illustrate that by using this doping method, the onset potential shifts to positive values towards the oxidized MWCNT. It can be deduced that by doping the N, B, and S atoms on MWCNTs, the defects in the CNT structure, which serve as active sites for ORR application, increase. The N/S/B-doped graphitic layers have a more rapid electron transfer rate at the electrode/electrolyte interface. Thus, this can improve the electrochemistry performance and electron transfer of the MWCNTs. The best performance and electrochemical activity belonged to the NB-MWCNT catalyst (−0.122 V vs. Ag/AgCl). Also, based on the results gained from the Koutecky–Levich (KL) plot, it can be said that the ORR takes place through the 4 e − pathway.

Suggested Citation

  • Sara Bakhtavar & Mehdi Mehrpooya & Mahboobeh Manoochehri & Mehrnoosh Karimkhani, 2022. "Proposal of a Facile Method to Fabricate a Multi-Dope Multiwall Carbon Nanotube as a Metal-Free Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-17, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:2:p:965-:d:725503
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mehrpooya, Mehdi & Ansarinasab, Hojat & Mousavi, Seyed Ali, 2021. "Life cycle assessment and exergoeconomic analysis of the multi-generation system based on fuel cell for methanol, power, and heat production," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 172(C), pages 1314-1332.
    2. Mark K. Debe, 2012. "Electrocatalyst approaches and challenges for automotive fuel cells," Nature, Nature, vol. 486(7401), pages 43-51, June.
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