Design of Co4N/CoNC heterogeneous interface catalyst for efficient hydrogen peroxide electroreduction.

The rational design of efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen peroxide electroreduction is essential to improve the performance of direct hydrogen peroxide fuel cells. In this study, we synthesized a Co 4 N/CoNC with a heterogeneous interface grown directly on nickel foam (NF) substrates as a highly active electrocatalyst for hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) electroreduction (HPRR). Benefiting from the integrated three-dimensional structure with sufficient active sites, the high electrical conductivity, and the synergistic effect of the heterogeneous interfaces of Co 4 N and Co–N–C, the electrode provides superior H 2 O 2 electrocatalytic properties, with a current density up to 0.65 A cm−2 at −0.8 V vs. Ag/AgCl, Tafel slope at 34.86 mV dec−1 and low activation energy as 9.65 kJ mol−1 in alkaline medium. Our findings provide insights into the design of efficient H 2 O 2 electrocatalyst design. [Display omitted] • Co 4 N/CoNC heterointerface catalysts synthesized by simple hydrothermal and co-precipitation methods. • The unique structure of Co 4 N/CoNC provides a large exposure of the heterogeneous interface to the reaction environment. • Co 4 N/CoNC exhibit excellent catalytic activity and stability in the electroreduction of hydrogen peroxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]