Properties of an EG/Fe/C composite modified by ozone treatment

Ozone modification of an expanded graphite/iron/carbon (EG/Fe/C) composite has been studied. Properties of EG/Fe/C composite after its interactions with ozone were examined by analysis of its porous texture (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller theory), morphology (scanning electron microscope) and chemical composition (X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy). Carbon fibers, which seem to be the main component of carbon layer within ozonated composite, showed enhanced concentration of oxygen functionalities. The increased amounts of the functionalities, as well as an improved accessibility of Fe explain the enhanced electrocatalytic activity of ozonated EG/Fe/C in the process of phenol electrooxidation.