Structure, Activity, and Faradaic Efficiency of Nitrogen‐Doped Porous Carbon Catalysts for Direct Electrochemical Hydrogen Peroxide Production

• DOI: 10.1002/cssc.201801583
• Publication Date: 2018-08-13T15:23:41Z
• Authors: Yanyan Sun; Shuang Li; Zarko Petar Jovanov; Denis Bernsmeier; Huan Wang; Benjamin Paul; Xingli Wang; Stefanie Kühl; Peter Strasser
• Keywords: Bulk electrolysis; Carbon fibers

Carbon materials doped with nitrogen are active catalysts for the electrochemical two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) to hydrogen peroxide. Insights into individual role of various chemical functionalities in H2 O2 production, however, have remained scarce. Here, we explore a catalytically very family nitrogen-doped porous carbon materials, prepared by direct pyrolysis ordered mesoporous (CMK-3) polyethylenimine (PEI). Voltammetric rotating ring-disk analysis combination chronoamperometric bulk electrolysis measurements cells demonstrate pronounced effect applied potentials, current densities, and electrolyte pH on selectivity absolute production rates. up 95.3 % was achieved acidic environment, whereas largest rate 570.1 mmol g-1catalyst h-1 observed neutral solution. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) suggests key mechanistic pyridinic-N catalytic process acid, graphitic-N groups appear be moieties alkaline conditions. Our results contribute understanding aid rational design efficient carbon-based catalysts.