Zeolitic imidazole framework derived composites of nitrogen-doped porous carbon and reduced graphene oxide as high-efficiency cathode catalysts for Li–O2 batteries

In this work, a composite of 3D network nitrogen-doped porous carbon on reduced graphene oxide (denoted as NPC/rGO) was derived from pyrolysis of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 and graphene oxide. The as-prepared NPC/rGO possesses high specific surface area, nitrogen doping and mesopores. When evaluated as the cathode catalyst for Li–O2 batteries, NPC/rGO exhibited higher specific capacity, better cyclability, and greater rate capability than either nitrogen doped porous carbon or reduced graphene oxide. The outstanding performances suggest that zeolitic imidazolate framework derived nitrogen doped porous carbon materials are promising for Li–O2 batteries.