Electrocatalytic composites of carbon quantum dots and anion exchange ionomers for the oxygen reduction reaction

Heteroatom-doped carbon quantum dots (CQD) were synthesized by 3 preparation methods: pyrolysis, microwave irradiation, hydrothermal synthesis. Their properties as electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline conditions studied linear sweep voltammetry. The best N-doped CQD obtained hydrothermally with an onset potential of 0.85 V vs RHE. Co-doping a second heteroatom, B or S, improved electrocatalytic further performance B-N co-doping 0.87 influence anion exchange ionomer (AEI) on was also using 5 AEI different backbone hydrophilicity and side-chain length. observed composite electrode combining co-doped poly(2,6-dimethylphenylene oxide) quaternary ammonium groups grafted pentyl side-chains 0.94 RHE, which is among highest literature.