Simultaneous formation of nitrogen and sulfur-doped carbon nanotubes-mesoporous carbon and its electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction

Nitrogen and sulfur dual doped-carbon nanotubes-mesoporous carbon (D-CNTs-MPC) composite is prepared simultaneously and is used in alkaline media as an electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). D-CNTs-MPC is synthesized by casting method using nano-CaCO3 as a template, and binuclear cobalt phthalocyanine hexasulfonate as a carbon, nitrogen and sulfur precursor as well as the catalyst for growth of CNTs. D-CNTs-MPC possesses short CNTs adhering to loosely packed carbon with mesopores. Moreover, nitrogen and sulfur are doped into the carbon framework without addition of other heteroatom-containing precursor. The electrochemical behavior shows that D-CNTs-MPC is an active, methanol-tolerant and stable electrocatalyst for ORR.