Bioinspired N rich C wrapped ZIF-8: A highly efficient and durable electro-catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction

Bioinspired nitrogen-rich carbon-coated zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (NRC@ZIF-8) has been prepared by
simple impregnation and carbonization of novel N rich C source “nitrodopamine” (NDA) with ZIF-8 through ecofriendly
solvothermal approach and employed as an electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
Fabricated NRC@ZIF-8 nanocomposite-based electrode offers surprisingly high ORR electrocatalytic activity by
providing high anchoring sites for O2 adsorption due to the availability of positively charged N atoms of nitro
group, increased surface defects, improved surface compatibility, promote heterolytic O–O bond cleavage rather
than homolytic cleavage and offer fast electron transportation capability. Additionally, it improves interfacial
binding efficacy due to functionalization of nitro group with ZIF-8, thus leading to high half wave potential value
(E1/2 = 0.91 V), high tolerance against methanol poisoning (91.88%) and remarkable stability even better than
dopamine (DA) derived nitrogen carbon-coated ZIF-8 (NC@ZIF-8), commercial Pt/C and other related bioinspired
materials.