Abstract and subjects
In this work, a novel systematic bottom-up approach in the investigation of the role of each component in non-precious metal ORR electrocatalysts is developed. Liquid-phase exfoliated graphite and graphene oxide were used as model two-dimensional carbon precursors. Nitrogen doping of these precursors was achieved via high-temperature ammonia treatment, as well as a novel technique of energetic neutral atom beam lithography/epitaxy (ENABLE), introduced for the first time. ENABLE offers the ability of working at high kinetic energies, overcoming high thermal limitation barriers, and allowing for direct chemical bond activation of graphitic systems at lower temperatures. The correlation of chemical-structure to ORR activity of these model nitrogen-doped systems was investigated using ultrathin film electrodes.