Optimization of active sites by sulfurization of the core–shell ZIF 67@ZIF 8 for rapid oxygen reduction kinetics in acidic media

Achieving a highly active cathode surface with extremely efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction kinetics is a fundamental necessity for durable fuel cells. Developing such active materials into desirable nanostructures is crucial in the pursuit of electrocatalysis. A facile preparation of cobalt decorated nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon nanostructures (Co–NSC) with the added advantage of Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF), ZIF 67@ZIF 8 is reported here. The as-prepared Co, N, S, co-doped carbon (Co–NSC) electrocatalyst comes under platinum group metal-free (PGM-free) catalysts which intends to replace the scarce and highly expensive commercial Pt catalysts. Facile preparation of the Co–NSC catalyst that is scalable, low cost and highly ORR active makes the material advantageous. Co–doping sulfur has dramatically enhanced the intrinsic catalytic activity of the catalyst, and the degree of variation in sulfurization greatly influences the overall catalytic property. Co–NSC 200 with high sulfur doping exhibit a positively shifted onset potential of 0.81 V, and a high yielding current density of 5.5 mA cm⁻² at 20 mV s⁻¹.