Direct synthesis of N, S co-doped graphynes via copolymerization strategy for electrocatalytic application

Abstract

Graphynes (GYs) are a novel set of carbon allotropes with high potential as future catalytic electrodes for oxygen reduction reactions because of their unique physical and chemical properties. In recent years, a number of heteroatom-doped graphdiyne (GDYs) based electrocatalysts have been developed. However, the development of GYs has made slow progress due to their limited synthetic strategies. Here, the first case of nitrogen and sulfur co-doped graphynes (NS-GYs) synthesized through the copolymerization between hydrogen-deficient heterocyclic aromatic monomers via the Sonogashira–Hagihara cross-coupling reaction is reported. The NS-GYs exhibit abundant porosity after heat treatment with large specific area and high heteroatom content for use as potential electrocatalysts. In addition, NS-GY-3-800 with the best electrocatalytic performance shows excellent power density and stability in Zn-air batteries.