Polyaniline–derived metal–free hollow nitrogen–doped carbon microspheres as an efficient electrocatalyst for supercapacitors and oxygen reduction

摘要: Abstract To design a highly efficient electrocatalyst for cathodes to suppress the high overpotential oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) continually remains prime goal of fuel cell study. Herein, production metal–free hollow nitrogen–doped carbon microspheres (HN–CMs) as an electrode material supercapacitors and ORR in alkaline media is reported. Initially, PS@PANI core–shell were produced by coating polyaniline (PANI) layers on polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) functionalized polystyrene (PS) via in–situ chemical polymerization aniline monomers presence ammonium persulphate (APS) oxidant. Finally, core was removed carbonizing under N2 atmosphere at 500 °C 2 h obtain HN–CMs electrocatalyst. The structure morphologies examined SEM, TEM, XRD, FT–IR, BET, Raman spectroscopy. electrochemical analysis performed CV, GCD, EIS. obtained exhibited improved performances application demonstrated better electrocatalytic activity ORR. For this electrocatalyst, maximum specific capacitance 266.7 F g−1 1 M KOH scan rate 5 mV s−1. Additionally, it has superior catalytic stability 4-electron process during solution. contribution intact spherical/hollow structure, good surface area, large contents graphitic/pyridinic nitrogen can improve mass transportation facilitating diffusion pathways which results enhancement its properties. As cost–effective material, supposed be promising cells.