Development of Pt-Free Carbon-Based Catalyst for PEFC Cathode Prepared from Polyacrylonitrile

Carbon-based catalyst for PEFC cathode was prepared from polyacrylonitrile (PAN) by adopting PAN-based carbon fiber chemistry. The PAN prepared on radical polymerization was stabilized in air. The stabilized PAN was pyrolyzed in nitrogen. Finally the carbon-based catalyst was obtained after activation in ammonia. On half cell testing with rotating disc electrode (RDE) measurement, the catalyst prepared with appropriate amount of Fe species in pyrolysis process showed high oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity. Additionally, a membrane electrode assembly comprising of the carbon-based catalyst as cathode catalyst was prepared and its PEFC performance was also demonstrated.</jats:p

Development of Pt-Free Carbon-Based Catalyst for PEFC Cathode Prepared from Polyacrylonitrile

Carbon-based catalyst for PEFC cathode was prepared from polyacrylonitrile (PAN) by adopting the PAN-based carbon fiber chemistry. The PAN prepared on radical polymerization was stabilized in air. The stabilized PAN was pyrolyzed in nitrogen. Finally the carbon-based catalyst was obtained after activation in ammonia. On half cell testing with rotating disc electrode (RDE) measurement, the catalyst prepared with appropriate amount of Fe species in pyrolysis process showed high oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity. Additionally, a membrane electrode assembly comprising of the carbon-based catalyst as cathode catalyst was prepared and its PEFC performance has been also demonstrated.</jats:p

Pt-Free Cathode Catalyst Prepared From Polyimide Fine Particles

Abstract not Available.</jats:p

Pt-Free Cathode Catalyst Prepared From Polyimide Fine Particles

Pt-free cathode catalyst was prepared by pyrolyzing fine nano particles of polyimide. The catalytic activity for oxygen reduction in acidic media was confirmed with the sample paralyzed at over 600 ˚C. The morphology of the fine particles was retained even after the carbonization. Carbon based cathode catalyst with such morphology is quite promising considering the application in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells.</jats:p

Preparation of Carbon-Based Catalysts from Nitrogen-Containing Aromatic Polymers

Carbon-based, non-precious-metal catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction were prepared from polyimides, polyamides, and azoles, by pyrolysis at 900ºC under flowing N2. The catalytic activity for electrochemical oxygen reduction was evaluated by the onset potential, measured at a current density of -2 μA cm-2. Pyrolyzed polymers with high N content showed higher onset potentials. In particular, one catalyst derived from azole (Az5) had an onset potential of 0.82 V, despite being prepared without the use of any metals. Additionally, a catalyst prepared by multistep pyrolysis of polyamide mixed with FeCl2 had high N content and high oxygen reduction activity, with an onset potential of 0.95 V. A membrane electrode assembly prepared using this catalyst had an open circuit voltage of 0.99 V, and a maximum output of 0.48 W cm-2.</jats:p

Preparation of Carbon Based Catalysts from Nitrogen-Containing Aromatic Polymers

Abstract not Available.</jats:p