Self-templated synthesis of novel and robust honeycomb-like N-doped highly graphitized carbon from low-temperature carbonization

Graphiticity and porosity are two marvelous properties desired in carbon support materials for electrocatalytically active materials. However, simultaneously incorporating the aforementioned properties is deemed incompatible with thermally induced carbon synthesis. A unique approach to realizing carbon materials with such dual properties at the same time is the use of porogen templates. In this study, g-C 3 N 4 is pyrolyzed with the aid of metallic Mg to produce highly graphitized N-doped carbon endowed with abundant Mg 3 N 2 sites. Notably, the self-generated Mg 3 N 2 in the carbon matrix acts as a template for a unique honeycomb-like porous structure after etching of the porogen. Thus, the honeycomb-like N-doped graphitized carbon (HNGC) is found to be an effective support material for anchoring PtCo alloy nanoparticles which improved the mass transport pathways, resulting in a high peak power density in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) operation. In addition, HNGC's high graphiticity enables it to withstand the harsh conditions of the DOE accelerated durability test (ADT), while the N-doping enhances its mass activity (MA), contributing to excellent support durability and catalytic performance. Honeycomb-like N-doped highly graphitized carbon is prepared by self-templated magnesiothermic reduction. Porosity and graphiticity of the prepared carbon support greatly improve the catalytic performance and durability of PtCo alloy in PEMFCs.