Analyzing the preparation, oxidation-related behavior, and electrochemical properties of three-dimensional hierarchical porous WC/C composites

In this study, we prepared biomass porous WC/C composites with a three-dimensional porous structure, and investigated their pore structure, oxidation-related behavior, and electrochemical properties. The results showed that a higher reaction temperature was conducive to the formation of WC on the carbon template. The porous WC/C composites retained the porous structure of the biomass carbon material, and had a large specific surface area (364.19 m2 g−1). The overpotential and slope of the Tafel curve of the WC/C composites were lower by 281 mV and 197 mV·dec−1, respectively, than those of the carbon template, while they exhibited a significant increase in electrocatalytic activity. The activation energy of the oxidation reaction of the composites (68.95 kJ mol−1) was higher than that of the carbon template (42.19 kJ mol−1), and their resistance to oxidation improved.