Investigating the electrocatalytic oxidation of glycerol on simultaneous nitrogen- and fluorine-doped on activated carbon black composite

To develop non-metallic electrocatalyst for glycerol electrooxidation, simultaneous co-doping of nitrogen and fluorine into activated carbon black (ACB) composite was explored to investigate the physical and electrochemical characteristics. The ACB was prepared by mixing activated carbon and carbon black. The N and F were incorporated using aniline and polytetrafluoroethylene as the precursors. The morphologies of the prepared samples were analyzed and the electrochemical behavior, as well as the electrocatalytic performance, was investigated in acid and alkaline environment. Porosity analysis shows that 20% N and F co-doped ACB (ACB-N₂F₂) reduced the surface area (491.64 m² g^{− 1}) and increased the electroactive surface area, which could contribute to faster mass transport and electron transfer process to enhance the catalytic activity the electrode. The doping defect also reduced the charge transfer resistance, which could increase the spin densities and maximize charge re-distribution to generate more electroactive surface. The electrodes N-doped ACB (ACB-N₂) and ACB-N₂F₂ exhibited a remarkable electrocatalytic activity in alkaline medium, while only 30% N and F co-doped ACB electrode are suitable in acidic medium. Moreover, the catalyst displayed remarkable long-term stability/durability in alkaline environment.