Structural Engineering of 3D Carbon Materials from Transition Metal Ion-Exchanged Y Zeolite Templates

A series of three-dimensional ordered microporous carbon materials (3D CMs) were prepared through a nanocasting route by using transition metal ion-exchanged Y zeolite (M-Y) as template and ethylene gas a carbon source. The different d-π coordination and the formation of metal nanoparticles during thermal treatment altered textural parameters of the final carbon products. After a detailed structural analysis and characterization, the most promising cobalt–carbon sample was further treated with NH3 for nitrogen doping and evaluated for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). This new class of material indicated good electrochemical stability and similar activity in comparison with those of commercial Pt/C (20 wt %) electrocatalyst. The protocol developed here allows in situ incorporation of diverse transition metals as well as the doping of various heteroelements into a three-dimensional carbon framework and has great potential for different catalytic applications.