Modulating the structure and ORR activity of N-doped graphene: A comparative study of boron versus phosphorus doping

Heteroatom-doped graphene, due to its high stability, excellent electrical conductivity and large specific surface area, is expected to become a potential alternative material for precious metal oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts, especially environmentally friendly B, N, and P-doped graphene. At present, there are relatively few ORR catalysts that perform well in acidic media. The introduction of multi-element doping and defects can further enhance the ORR activity of single-element substitution. Consequently, multi-element-doped porous graphene is considered a promising candidate for highly active ORR catalysts in acidic environments. This work focuses on investigating the structure and oxygen reduction reactivity of the multi-doped graphene formed by adding B or P doping to the nitrogen-doped graphene under acidic conditions. The regulatory effects of B or P doping on the performance of nitrogen-doped graphene and the underlying mechanisms were also systematically revealed. The results indicate that boron doping can further enhance the ORR activity of nitrogen-doped graphene, leading to catalysts with higher ORR performance. In contrast, phosphorus doping suppresses the ORR activity. This study will promote the design and synthesis of BN multi-element doped graphene with high ORR activity in acidic solutions.