One pot solvothermal synthesis of ZnPc nanotube and its composite with RGO: A high performance ORR catalyst in alkaline medium

In recent years, sustainable energy resources in green environment are being extensively investigated. In pursuit of an efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel cells, though pure platinum (Pt) is the unchallenged workhorse but high price, limited reserves and other factors has triggered the researcher to look for non Pt alternatives as catalysts. Metal based Phthalocyanine is one such prospective electrocatalyst for ORR in fuel cell. Herein, our work demonstrates the synthesis and ORR performances of Zinc Phthalocyanine (ZnPc) nanostructure and its composites with reduced graphene oxide (RGO). Electrochemical measurements show that the composite material exhibits better performances than pristine nanostructure in terms of limiting current density, onset potential, and half wave potential in alkaline medium. The improved electrochemical activity is attributed to the pi-pi interaction between ZnPc and RGO and also to the novel properties of graphene. The fascinating performances of ZnPc/graphene makes it a new viable electrocatalyst for different energy materials. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.