12 research outputs found
Promotion of oxygen reduction by a bio-inspired tethered iron phthalocyanine carbon nanotube-based catalyst
Electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction are a critical component that may dramatically enhance the performance of fuel cells and metal-air batteries, which may provide the power for future electric vehicles. Here we report a novel bio-inspired composite electrocatalyst, iron phthalocyanine with an axial ligand anchored on single-walled carbon nanotubes, demonstrating higher electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction than the state-of-the-art Pt/C catalyst as well as exceptional durability during cycling in alkaline media. Theoretical calculations suggest that the rehybridization of Fe 3d orbitals with the ligand orbitals coordinated from the axial direction results in a significant change in electronic and geometric structure, which greatly increases the rate of oxygen reduction reaction. Our results demonstrate a new strategy to rationally design inexpensive and durable electrochemical oxygen reduction catalysts for metal-air batteries and fuel cells.close34
On the effect of sulfite ions on the structural composition and ORR activity of Fe-N-C catalysts
Quantifying the density and utilization of active sites in non-precious metal oxygen electroreduction catalysts
Identification of carbon-encapsulated iron nanoparticles as active species in non-precious metal oxygen reduction catalysts
Identification of catalytic sites for oxygen reduction in iron- and nitrogen-doped graphene materials
Strategies for Enhancing the Electrocatalytic Activity of M-N/C Catalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
The development of highly active and durable nonprecious metal catalysts that can replace expensive Pt-based catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is of pivotal importance in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. In this line of research, metal and nitrogen codoped carbon (M-N/C) catalysts have emerged as the most promising alternatives to Pt-based catalysts. This review provides an overview of recently developed synthetic strategies for the preparation of M-N/C catalysts to enhance the catalytic activity of the ORR. We present five major strategies, namely the use of metal-organic frameworks as hosts or precursors, the use of sacrificial templates, the addition of heteroelements, the preferential generation of active sites, and a biomimetic approach. For each strategy, the advantages capable of boosting catalytic activity in the ORR are summarized, and notable examples and their catalytic performances are presented. The ORR activities and measurement conditions of high-performing M-N/C catalysts are also tabulated. Finally, we summarize this review with some suggestions for future studie