Co3O4/Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite as Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Abstract

Recently, many efforts have been made to develop an inexpensive and efficient catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). This crucial component is essential for electrochemical storage energy devices, such as fuel cells and metal-air batteries. Among a non-precious metal based catalyst, Co3o4is recognized as a promising ORR catalyst because of its large availability, environmental friendliness and low cost. In this study, we use a facile hydrothermal method to prepare C<;span style="font-size: 11.25px;">o<;/span> ₃ O ₄ and Co ₃ O ₄ /Reduced Graphene Oxide composite (Co ₃ 0 ₄ /RGO) with only 4 wt% of RGO content. This composite exhibits better catalytic activity including much more positive onset potential and higher limiting diffusion current than the pristine Co ₃ O ₄ alone, suggesting that the interaction between Co ₃ O ₄ and RGO plays an important role in the higher electrocatalytic activity of the composite.