Effect of annealing techniques in enhancing nitrogen doped graphene synthesis by ball milling method

Catalysts play a crucial role in addressing global challenges related to clean energy conversion and environmental sustainability. Among various catalyst materials, nitrogen-doped graphene (NDG) has emerged as a promising metal-free electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) due to its tunable electronic structure and high surface area. However, conventional synthesis of NDG via ball milling requires prolonged processing times, limiting its scalability and energy efficiency. This study focuses on optimizing NDG synthesis by employing annealing techniques to explore the potential for reducing production durations. NDG was synthesized by milling graphite and melamine, followed by annealing as a modification process to expedite synthesis. Key results show significant improvements in structural and catalytic properties. Raman Spectroscopy showed an ID /IG value of 1.73, indicating enhanced structural integrity. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of graphene layers with a broad peak at 26°. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) identified a nitrogen content of 38%, crucial for catalytic activity. Electrochemical performance, evaluated via Open Circuit Potential (OCP) measurements, demonstrated a notable current of 19 mA, with variations attributed to annealing temperature and milling duration. The synthesis optimization through ball milling and annealing not only enhances material properties but also addresses the challenge of time-intensive production, making NDG more feasible for large-scale applications. These advancements pave the way for efficient and scalable NDG catalyst production, essential for advancing technologies in various industrial and environmental sectors.

Text 125432.pdf - Published Version Download (1MB) Official URL or Download Paper: https://www.ukm.my/jsm/pdf_files/SM-PDF-55-3-2026/...

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