Electrocatalytic Activity of Ionic-Liquid-Derived Porous Carbon Materials for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction (original) (raw)

Carbon materials, prepared by different methods using ionic liquid, are compared as electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Materials were synthesized by hydrothermal carbonization of glucose and by the same method in the presence of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium methanesulfonate [bmim][MeSO3] as additive. Other two carbon materials were prepared by ionic-liquid based methods: ionothermal carbonization of glucose using [bmim][MeSO3] as recyclable medium for carbonization reaction and by direct carbonization of ionic liquid, one step method using [bmim][MeSO3] as precursor for N-and S-doped porous carbon (Carb-IL).Characterization results showed possibility of morphology and porosity control using [bmim][MeSO3]. All materials were subsequently tested for ORR in alkaline media. Carb-IL showed the enhanced and stable electrocatalytic ORR activity, even in the presence of methanol, ethanol and borohydride, opening possibility for its application in fuel cells.