Research Innovation on Nitrogen Functionalized Carbon Nanostructures and Their Electrocatalytic Properties

Abstract

The research tasks of the project include: (1) developing a new and highly energy efficient method for large scale synthesis of nitrogen functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) catalyst powders, with an aim to achieve their electrocatalytic performance comparable to precious metal platinum catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). This research group recently made a substantial breakthrough in identifying a new synthesis method for mass production of CNTs and CNPs with much reduced production cost, in comparison with any other synthesis methods; (2) measurements and characterizations of the structural and electrocatalytic properties of the new N-doped carbon nanostructures; (3) understanding the electrocatalytic sites, elementary catalytic reaction paths, and reaction energy barriers for ORR on nitrogen doped CNTs, graphene, and fullerene by firstprinciples computations and simulations; and (4) research trainings of graduate/undergraduate students, especially minority students, by intimately engaging them in the research activities.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Feb 12, 2016
Source ID
W911NF1510483

Entities

People

  • Guang-lin Zhao

Organizations

  • Army Contracting Command
  • Office of the Secretary of Defense
  • Southern University

Tags

Readers

  • Combustion science or combustion engineering.
  • Electrochemical Surface Science
  • Nanocomposite Materials Science

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Microelectronics