Effect of Pyrolysis Conditions on the Performance of Co–Doped MOF–Derived Carbon Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

MOF–derived porous carbon is a type of promising catalyst to replace expensive Pt–based catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The catalytic activity ORR depends closely on pyrolysis conditions. In this work, Co–doped ZIF–8 material was chosen as research object. effect conditions (temperature, heating rate, two–step heating) the performance ZIF–derived systematically studied. Co–ZIF–8 carbonized at 900 °C exhibits better than that 800 and 1000 °C. Moreover, low rate can enhance activity. Two–step proven be an effective way improve catalysts. Reducing in low–temperature stage more beneficial performance, compared high–temperature stage. results show best when precursor heated 350 2 °C/min, then 5 °C/min. optimum shows half–wave potential 0.82 V current density 5.2 mA·cm−2 0.1 M KOH solution. It also high content defects good graphitization. TEM mapping Co N atoms are highly dispersed polyhedral skeleton. However, has no significant stability catalyst.