One-step solvothermal synthesis of tetranitro-cobalt phthalocyanine/reduced graphene oxide composite

Tetranitro-cobalt phthalocyanine/reduced graphene oxide (TNCoPc/RGO) composite was prepared using ethylene glycol as reducing agent and precursor. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were used to characterize the composite. The electrochemical performance of the composite was examined by cyclic voltammetry and rotating disk electrode. The SEM observation and UV-Vis absorption spectrophotometer reveal that TNCoPc nanoparticles are closely contacted with RGO. The results show that the composite has a larger peak current and a higher current density than TNCoPc for oxygen reduction in an alkaline medium. This work offers a simple and environmental route for the synthesis of metal phthalocyanine (MPc)/RGO, which is adaptable to a wide range of applications in fuel cells.