Synergistic coupling of P-doped Pd4S nanoparticles with P/S-co-doped reduced graphene oxide for enhanced alkaline oxygen reduction

Abstract Pd-based materials are promising alternatives to Pt for oxygen reduction reactions (ORR), which is the critical electrode reaction for many oxygen-electrocatalysis-based energy storage and conversion devices. Modification of electronic structure and support effect are powerful tools for boosting ORR performance of Pd-based catalysts. Herein, phosphorus (P) doped-palladium sulfide (Pd4S) nanoparticles decorated on P/sulfur (S) co-doped reduced graphene oxide (P-Pd4S/PSG) is prepared via a one-step solvothermal method using triphenylphosphine sulfide as both P and S sources. The incorporation of P effectively tailors the electronic structure and coordination environment of Pd4S, while P-Pd4S decorated on PSG generates strong metal-support interaction, which synergistically promotes electrocatalytic performance towards ORR. The proposed synthetic method offers a feasible route for the rational construction of heteroatoms-doped carbon − metal composites with high-performance for ORR and other potential energy applications.