Abstract
A cobalt-doped graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) polymer was supported on surface-modified single-walled carbon nanohorns (SWCNHs) to produce a new Co-g-C3N4 catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results show that Co–N bonds are formed and that strong electronic coupling occurs between the SWCNHs and Co-g-C3N4. The as-fabricated catalysts exhibit reasonable ORR activity, high selectivity, and outstanding electrochemical stability in alkaline media. These results are attributed to the large number of stable Co–Nx active sites, high percentage of pyridinic N and rapid mass transport on the “Dahlia flower”-like SWCNHs surface. The fabricated Co-g-C3N4/SWCNHs catalyst has potential for use as a non-precious metal cathodic catalyst in fuel cell applications.