ZIF-Derived Co–N–S Tridoped Carbon Frameworks for Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction Reaction

The development of catalysts free of platinum-group metals with a high performance for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells is a grand challenge. Herein, we report zeolitic imidazolate framework-8-based Co, N, and S tridoped carbon frameworks (Co–N–S CFs) with high ORR catalytic activity and remarkable durability in an alkaline medium. Results indicate that the high ORR performance of the Co–N–S CFs could be attributed to the unique 3D structure of carbon frames, the synergistic effect among Co, N, and S, and its high electron conductivity. It is also found that the N and S doped heteroatoms can anchor Co atoms by forming CoNx and CoSx active sites for a highly efficient ORR. The results obtained here can help in the design and understanding of the cost-effective highly active Pt-free electrocatalysts.