In this study, nanocomposites based on metal nanoparticles encapsulated into hollow porous carbon spheres were prepared in three steps using a SiO2-based hard templating approach: (a) small, PVP-capped metal nanoparticles were synthesized using a polyol method, and a SiO2 layer was grown on them forming M@SiO2 core@shell nanostructures; (b) a second, surfactant-embedded layer of SiO2 was then grown onto the core@shell nanostructures, followed by the removal of the surfactant resulting in a porous SiO2 layer; and (c) preparation of various carbon and nitrogen doped carbon resins with different porosities. Controlled pyrolysis at elevated temperatures and the removal of the SiO2 template led to the formation of hollow porous carbon spheres with metal nanoparticles trapped inside. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies suggest the presence of sp2 domains, an indicative measure of successful carbonization. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements displayed hollow-porous carbon spheres (HPCS). The prepared structures exhibited remarkable surface areas and promising catalytic activity towards the oxygen reduction reaction in both 0.1 M KOH and H2SO4.

Yolk-shell nanostructures of metal nanoparticles encapsulated in porous carbon spheres as catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction

256th National Meeting (2018)

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