Electrocatalytic performance of reduced graphene oxide supported nano-NiZnO2 for oxygen reduction reaction

Development of highly efficient and low-cost electrocatalysts for oxygen reaction is of high importance for the commercialization of fuel cells. In the present study, we synthesized the hybrid of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) supported NiZnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) as highly efficient non-precious-metal electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The NiZnO2 NPs composed of ∼8 nm being relatively well distributed and strongly anchored on rGO. Electrochemical test reveals that the NiZnO2/rGO exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity towards ORR, in terms of positive onset potential (0.80 V), high cathode current density (3.49 × 10−4), and low H2O2 yield (about 2%). The mechanism analysis shows that it favors the 4-electron pathway for the reduction of oxygen. Furthermore, the NiZnO2/rGO exhibits excellent electrochemical performance in term of durability.