A novel Mn/Co dual nanoparticle decorated hierarchical carbon structure derived from biopolymer hydrogel as highly efficient electro-catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction

Mn/Co dual nanoparticles-decorated hierarchical carbon structure was derived from Zn/Mn/Co/chitosan composite hydrogel. This strategy critically relied on the formation of a supramolecularly crosslinked hydrogel that allowed the efficient and homogeneous incorporation of highly active Mn/Co species onto the surface of hierarchical carbon structures. The resultant electrocatalyst outperformed Pt/C toward oxygen recuction reaction in 0.1 M KOH electrolytes.