Carbon nanotubes with phthalocyanine-decorated surface produced by NH₃-assisted microwave reaction and their catalytic performance in Li/SOCl₂ battery

Multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-templated cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) assemblies are prepared by microwave reaction with the aid of NH₄Cl. The assemblies of CoPc/MWCNTs are added to the electrolyte of Li/SOCl₂ battery to show their potential application in the field of catalysis. The assemblies display a uniform coaxial nanotube structure. In the control test, the CoPc/MWCNTs synthesized without NH₄Cl exhibit the aggregation of the nanotubes of CoPc/MWCNTs. It indicates that the use of NH₄Cl as gas source is efficient in enhancing diffusion of the MWCNTs and controlling the growth of CoPc. The catalytic reduction of SOCl₂ can be carried out by CoPc molecules outside the assemblies and the MWCNTs inside the assemblies. The assemblies of CoPc/MWCNTs exhibit excellent electrochemical catalytic activity to Li/SOCl₂ battery. The discharge energy of Li/SOCl₂ battery catalyzed by CoPc/MWCNTs is 144% higher than that of the battery without catalyst, and is 94% higher than the energy of Li/SOCl₂ battery catalyzed by bulk CoPc.