Encapsulating atomic molybdenum into hierarchical nitrogen-doped carbon nanoboxes for efficient oxygen reduction

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

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Author(s)

  • Fei-Xiang Ma
  • Guobin Zhang
  • Meiyu Wang
  • Peng Wang
  • Liang Zhen
  • Lirong Zheng
  • Cheng-Yan Xu

Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)67-76
Journal / PublicationJournal of Colloid and Interface Science
Volume620
Online published5 Apr 2022
Publication statusPublished - 15 Aug 2022

Abstract

Construction of single-atom catalysts (SACs) with maximally exposed active sites remains a challenging task mainly because of the lack of suitable host matrices. In this study, hierarchical N-doped carbon nanoboxes composed of ultrathin nanosheets with dispersed atomic Mo (denoted as hierarchical SA-Mo-C nanoboxes) were fabricated via a template-engaged multistep synthesis process. Comprehensive characterizations, including X-ray absorption fine structure analysis, reveal the formation of Mo-N4 atomic sites uniformly anchored on the hierarchical carbon nanoboxes. The prepared catalysts offer structural and morphological advantages, including ultrathin nanosheet units, unique hollow structures and abundant active Mo-N4 species, that result in excellent activity with a half-wave potential of 0.86 V vs. RHE and superb stability for the oxygen reduction reaction in 0.1 M KOH; thus, the catalysts are promising air–cathode catalysts for Zn-air batteries with a high peak power density of 157.6 mW cm−2.

Research Area(s)

  • Hollow structures, Mo-N4, Nanosheets, Oxygen reduction reaction, single-atom catalysts (SACs)

Citation Format(s)

Encapsulating atomic molybdenum into hierarchical nitrogen-doped carbon nanoboxes for efficient oxygen reduction. / Ma, Fei-Xiang; Zhang, Guobin; Wang, Meiyu et al.
In: Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, Vol. 620, 15.08.2022, p. 67-76.

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review