A green method for Nitrogen-doped graphene and its application for oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline media

Due to the unique chemical and physical properties of graphene, as a promising material for energy conversion and storage applications, functional groups introduction on graphene surface or edges is a useful strategy for modification of its properties. For the first time, we suggest a simple, eco-friendly, and scalable for synthesising of N-rGO as a cathode material for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel cells. An electrochemical method has been employed to investigate the mechanism of N-doping. The N-rGO electrocatalyst prepares by a one-pot electrochemical way using the raw materials of graphite rod and urea solution with DC power supply. The N-rGO had a high N content (6.8 at. %) in comparison to literature. The mechanism of N-doped reduced graphene oxide been carefully studied.

Automated summary

Functional groups introduction on graphene surface or edges is an effective strategy to modify its properties, and a simple, eco-friendly, and scalable method for synthesizing N-rGO as a cathode material for oxygen reduction reaction in fuel cells was proposed for the first time in this study, with high N content. The mechanism of N-doped reduced graphene oxide was carefully investigated.