Bifunctional TiCo electrocatalysts based on N-doped graphene cryogels for the oxygen evolution and reduction reactions

Three-dimensional N-doped graphene cryogels (NGC) modified with Ti and Co nanoparticles are investigated as bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts for potential application in unitized regenerative fuel cells (URFCs). These composites have been successfully produced via a combined solvothermal, freeze-drying, and thermal treatment procedure. Crystallographic structure, surface properties, and morphology are analyzed to study the influence of each metal and the bimetallic combination in forming active sites for oxygen reduction (ORR) and oxygen evolution (OER) reactions. The intrinsic catalytic activity of the composites was determined by rotating disk electrode and further assessed in a gas diffusion electrode to test them in more realistic conditions for URFCs in 6 M KOH. Results revealed the remarkable bifunctional activity of Co/NGC and bimetallic TiCo/NGC composites. The synergistic effect of the metallic cobalt and surface atomic composition of CoO distributed on the N-doped graphene cryogel in Co/NGC is responsible for the high bifunctional performance. Moreover, the partial substitution of cobalt for a less critical raw material, such as titanium, allows the electrocatalyst to maintain great bifunctional activity and stability. The nitrogen doping of the graphene cryogel structure can influence the anatase/rutile titania ratio that forms during pyrolysis. As a result, defects, oxygen vacancies, and Ti species are formed, which, when combined with Co nanoparticles, contribute to the outstanding performance and stability of the TiCo/NGC composite. The excellent performance of N-doped graphene cryogel-based electrocatalysts in GDE conditions indicates their potential use in electrochemical processes, which involve gas-phase reactions.