Abstract: The multiwalled carbon nanotube-supported CoTMPP (CoTMPP/MWNT) electrocatalyst was prepared by the microwave synthesis method and its microstructure was characterized using transmission electron microscopy. The electrocatalytic performance of CoTMPP/MWNT for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was evaluated by rotating disc electrode and rotating ring disc electrode technique. Compared with the CoTMPP/MWNT electrocatalyst prepared by the traditional organic reflux method, the one prepared by the microwave synthesis method showed better performance for ORR and the half-wave potential exhibited a positive shift of 110 mV. Compared with CoTMPP/BP2000, the CoTMPP/MWNT electrocatalyst showed a 10 mV higher on-set potential and a 21% lower reduction current loss in ORR, indicating that the multiwalled carbon nanotube-supported CoTMPP electrocatalyst had higher catalytic activity and better stability than CoTMPP/BP2000. The number of exchanged electrons during ORR and the yield of peroxide were 3.6 and 18%, respectively. The high corrosion resistance and unique electronic property of MWNT, and the interaction between MWNT and active metal ions can efficiently improve the electrocatalytic performance of the CoTMPP/MWNT catalyst.

Key words: microwave synthesis method, multiwalled carbon nanotube, metallporphyrin, electrocatalyst, oxygen reduction reaction