Efficient Metal-Free Zif-8 Derived B, N-Codoped Carbon Electrocatalyst Toward Oxygen Reduction

Metal-free carbon materials doped with multiple nonmetal heteroatoms (e. g. N, B, S, P) have emerged as a promising class of electrocatalysts toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Herein, B, N-codoped carbon electrocatalysts are conveniently prepared by use of ZIF-8 precursor, which involves cage-encapsulation of PhB(OH)(2) before high-temperature pyrolysis. By modulating the B-doping amount and pyrolysis temperature, an optimal B, N-codoped carbon electrocatalyst toward ORR is achieved, which shows ORR activity (E-onset=0.95 V, and E-1/2=0.83 V vs RHE) comparable to the Pt/C benchmark, with a good methanol tolerance and long-term stability.