Highly efficient methanol oxidation reaction on durable Co9S8 @N, S-doped CNT catalyst for methanol fuel cell applications

The implementation of direct methanol fuel cells is seen as a reliable factor in the future energy mix. Efficient energy conversion from methanol requires an active and durable catalyst to drive the anodic methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) in direct methanol fuel cells. As an alternative to high cost noble metals, cobalt-based electrocatalysts are considered potential replacements that meet the high activity and long-term stability for MOR. Herein, we report the preparation of hierarchical Co9S8 nanowires trapped in Ndoped carbon nanotubes (N,S-Co@CNT) derived from melamine showing high activity for MOR in alkaline medium. In order to identify the main active sites, we synthesized cobalt particles embedded in carbon structures in absence of a sulphur source (Co@CNT) and evaluated its performance for MOR. The material characterization shows that adding sulphur during pyrolysis enhances the surface area, pore size and lattice defect. In addition, the morphology changes from hemi-spherical particles to nanowires, that significantly improves the electrochemical properties. The current density of N,S-Co@CNT is exceptionally higher (5.5 times) and the onset potential of MOR is shifted to lower potential when compared to Co@CNT. The enhanced activity, durability and stability of N,S -Co@CNT is ascribed to the unique hierarchical structure and surface properties. (c) 2021 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study reports the preparation of a highly active catalyst, N,S-Co@CNT, which is derived from hierarchical Co9S8 nanowires trapped in Ndoped carbon nanotubes. Compared to traditional Co@CNT, N,S-Co@CNT exhibits higher current density and lower onset potential, attributed to its unique hierarchical structure and surface properties.