Combination of G-C3N4 and Triplex Metal Oxides for Enhanced Performance of Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Given the rising concerns regarding climate change, there has been a noticeable rise in research dedicated to exploring materials aimed at bolstering the efficiency of energy conversion and storage systems. The development of efficient and affordable non-precious electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is crucial for the advancement of fuel cells and metal-air batteries. In this study, we synthesized a novel hybrid electrocatalyst for ORR consisting of Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH)-derived triple Metal Oxide (IIIMO) decorated on a porous graphitic carbon nitride (PCN); as well, its physiochemical and electrochemical performance was assessed. This composite facilitates a synergistic enhancement of catalytic activity for the ORR, benefiting from its binary composition and hierarchically porous structure. The synthesis of the PCN-IIIMOx% composite employed a straightforward layer-by-layer assembly method, integrating several weight ratios of IIIMO (where x represents 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, and 1). The physiochemical analyses confirmed the incorporation of the as-synthesized MMO on the PCN lattice. The electrochemical analyses showed that the PCN-IIIMO20% has the best performance holding the onset potential of -0.09 V, electron transfer number of 3.3 and current retention durability of 79% after 7200s of continuous operation.