ZIFs@chitosan Derived Efficient Bimetallic Carbon-Based Catalyst for Oxygen Reduction

The utilization of hydrogen energy is an effective way to alleviate the shortage of traditional energy, carbon emissions, and environmental pollution. As a hydrogen energy conversion device, fuel cells are severely limited by the slow oxygen reduction reaction on the cathode. Herein, we designed and synthesized the composite precursors of ZIF and chitosan, which was used for the preparation of a series of efficient carbon-based catalysts for oxygen reduction by pyrolysis. Among them, ZnCo-ZIF@CS-3-800 shows the best catalytic performance. Its onset potential and limited current density are nearly the same as those of Pt/C, and its half-wave potential is 9 mV higher than that of Pt/C. Moreover, it also exhibits excellent catalytic stability, durability, and methanol tolerance, promising great potential and prospects for application in fuel cells.