Electrocatalytic performances of N-doped graphene with anchored iridium species in oxygen reduction reaction

Abstract

Development of new systems with high catalytic performances in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) for practical applications in fuel cells and metal–air batteries is a challenge. We develop a one-pot solution method for producing a novel hybrid material consisting of Ir species anchored on N-doped graphene. The hybrid is synthesized by reacting graphene oxide with IrCl3 xH2O in dimethylformamide under reflux. Chemical and structural analyses confirm the attachment of Ir atoms to the N and O atoms of the N-doped graphene-based materials. The hybrid shows a good electrocatalytic performance for the ORR in alkaline media, with an onset potential of 0.88 V (versus the reversible hydrogen electrode), high long-term durability, and good tolerance for methanol poisoning.