Abstract：To develop the high-performance catalysts for fuel cells, The synthesis of VC was investigated, which adopted graphene oxide as both support and carbon source. The synthesis, structure and catalytic performance for oxygen reduction of VC supported Pt were researched. Results showed that the graphene oxide could react with V₂O₃ in hydrogen atmosphere and in-situ forming VC. The nitrogen can be doped to VC when heat-treated in ammonia atmosphere. The doping of nitrogen enhanced the catalytic performance of VC for oxygen reduction. The graphene and nitrogen doped VC supported Pt showed good catalytic performance for oxygen reduction. The peak current intensity, onset potential and cyclic life surpassed that of traditional Pt/C catalyst.

Keywords: Oxygen reduction; graphene oxide; vanadium carbide; catalysts of oxygen reduction