A graphene quantum dot/phthalocyanine conjugate: a synergistic catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction

Abstract

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have gained great interest due to their chemical stabilities, unique catalytic activities, and feasible chemical functionalization opportunities; these have opened up new applications in the fields of chemical energy conversion and storage. Herein, we synthesized iron(II) phthalocyanine (FePC)-GQD conjugates as facile electrocatalysts for the enhanced oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which is critical in energy conversion systems of fuel cells. This unique combination of materials (GQDFePC) exhibits a greatly enhanced onset potential via a four-electron pathway in an alkaline electrolyte. Moreover, the synthesized electrocatalyst shows distinguished tolerance toward methanol and carbon monoxide, which paves the way for its commercialization as an electrocatalyst.