Cu nanoparticles supported on graphitic carbon nitride as an efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction

High active and cost-effective electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are essential components of renewable energy technologies, such as fuel cells and metal/air batteries. Herein, we propose that ORR active Cu/graphitic carbon nitride (Cu/g-CN) electrocatalyst can be prepared via a facile hydrothermal reaction in the present of the ionic liquid (IL) bis(1-hexadecyl-3-methylimid- azolium) tetrachlorocuprate[(C₁₆mim)₂CuCl₄] and protonated g-CN. The as-prepared Cu/g-CN showed an impressive ORR catalytic activity that a 99 mV positive shift of the onset potential and 2 times kinetic current density can be clearly observed, comparing with the pure g-CN. In addition, the Cu/g-CN revealed better stability and methanol tolerance than commercial Pt/C (HiSPECTM 3000, 20%). Therefore, the proposed Cu/g-CN, as the inexpensive and efficient ORR electrocatalyst, would be a potential candidate for application in fuel cells.