A phenolic resin-assisted strategy for MOF-derived hierarchical Co/N-doped carbon rhombic dodecahedra for electrocatalysis

Abstract

A phenolic resin (PR)-assisted strategy to transform the zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-67) into hierarchical Co/N-doped carbon rhombic dodecahedra for electrocatalysis is proposed for the first time. The hierarchical ZIF-67@PR composite carbon (HZPC) is obtained by coordinating the kinetic rate of precursors: nucleation/growth of ZIF-67 and polymerization of PR. The introduction of the PR polymer prevents agglomeration of cobalt nanoparticles, creates the well-distributed hierarchical porous structure and optimizes the composition. The advantages of the structure and composition endow HZPC with excellent oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity and long-term durability.