Energetic carbon-based hybrids: green and facile synthesis from soy milk and extraordinary electrocatalytic activity towards ORR

Abstract

Novel Co–N–C hybrids were successfully fabricated via one-step pyrolysed soy milk with the aid of cobalt(II) nitrate in a synthetic process. Because of the formation of the Co–N–C structures, the resulting product showed excellent electrocatalytic activity for the ORR in alkaline electrolytes, potentially making Co–N–C a nonprecious metal cathode catalyst for ORR. The technique can also be scaled up easily and this research provides a great opportunity for industry to produce an eco-friendly carbon nanomaterial for fuel cells and other electrochemical energy devices.