Electrocatalytic Activity of Ionic-Liquid-Derived Porous Carbon Materials for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Carbon materials, prepared by using different methods with ionic liquids, are compared as electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Materials were synthesized through the hydrothermal carbonization of glucose and by using the same method in the presence of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium methanesulfonate [bmim][MeSO3] as an additive. Another two carbon-based materials were prepared by using ionic-liquid-based methods: ionothermal carbonization of glucose using [bmim][MeSO3] as a recyclable medium for the carbonization reaction and by direct carbonization of the ionic liquid in a one-step method using [bmim][MeSO3] as the precursor for N- and S-doped porous carbon (Carb-IL). Characterization results showed the possibility of morphology and porosity control by using [bmim][MeSO3]. All materials were subsequently tested for the ORR in alkaline media. Carb-IL showed enhanced and stable electrocatalytic ORR activity, even in the presence of methanol, ethanol, and borohydride, opening the possibility for its application in fuel cells.