Mo_0.42C_0.58 Nanoparticles Embedded in Nitrogen-Doped Carbon as Electrocatalyst towards Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Highly dispersible Mo_0.42C_0.58 nanoparticles in nitrogen-doped carbon is achieved via pyrolyzing one-dimensional NH₄Ni₂Mo₂O₈(OH)H₂O@polypyrrole nanocomposites. The formation of the Mo_0.42C_0.58 is realized via the reaction between the NH₄Ni₂Mo₂O₈(OH)H₂O nanorod as core and the carbonized polypyrrole at a high temperature. The Mo_0.42C_0.58@N-doped carbon presents satisfied catalytic activity towards oxygen reduction reaction with the half-wave potential of 0.828 V vs. RHE (reversible hydrogen electrode), comparable to that of the commercial Pt/C catalyst. Furthermore, the sample illustrates superior stability and methanol tolerance to Pt/C. The excellent catalytic activity of the Mo_0.42C_0.58@N-doped carbon can be attributed to the existence of Mo_0.42C_0.58 nanoparticles, the N doping in carbonized polypyrrole, and the well-maintained one-dimensional nanostructure.