Nanocubic-Co3O4 coupled with nitrogen-doped carbon nanofiber network: A synergistic binder-free catalyst toward oxygen reduction reactions

Abstract High-performance electrocatalysts with excellent catalytic activity and long durability competitive to Pt are urgently necessary for fuel cell development. Here, a novel self-standing membrane of nitrogen-doped carbon nanofibers (NCNF) has been developed, acting as a three-dimensionally networked and conductive template for immobilization of electrochemically active Co 3 O 4 particles. Thus, nanocubic-Co 3 O 4 coated NCNF (NCNF@Co 3 O 4 ) composite fiber membrane with hierarchical structures is obtained, which subtly combines the synergistic effects between the electroactive nanocubic-Co 3 O 4 , efficient surface nitrogen doping and highly conductive NCNF network. Therefore, the NCNF@Co 3 O 4 composite exhibits excellent catalytic activity toward oxygen reduction reactions with positive E peak potential, high current density and superior durability over the commercial Pt/C catalyst, being a promising noble metal-free catalyst for practical fuel cell applications.