Enhanced oxygen reduction reaction activity of iron-containing nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes for alkaline direct methanol fuel cell application

• Published in: Journal of power sources 2016-11, Vol.332, p.129-138
• Main Authors: Ratso, Sander, Kruusenberg, Ivar, Sarapuu, Ave, Rauwel, Protima, Saar, Rando, Joost, Urmas, Aruväli, Jaan, Kanninen, Petri, Kallio, Tanja, Tammeveski, Kaido
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alkaline direct methanol fuel cell; Carbon nanotubes; Electrocatalysis; Nitrogen doping; Non-precious metal catalyst; Oxygen reduction
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2016.09.069

Non-precious metal catalysts for electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction are synthesised by pyrolysis of multi-walled carbon nanotubes in the presence of nitrogen and iron precursors. For the physico-chemical characterisation of the catalysts transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction are used. The electrocatalytic activity of the catalysts for oxygen reduction is studied in 0.1 M KOH solution using the rotating disk electrode method. The Fe-containing nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes exhibit an enhanced electrocatalytic performance as compared to metal-free counterparts and their electrocatalytic activity is comparable to that of commercial Pt/C catalyst. Alkaline direct methanol fuel cell tests also show performance close to Pt/C. Thus, these materials can be considered as promising cathode catalysts for application in alkaline fuel cells. [Display omitted] •Fe-NCNT materials are synthesised by pyrolysis of MWCNTs, dicyandiamide and FeCl3.•Fe-NCNT catalysts show enhanced ORR activity, high stability and methanol tolerance.•Fe-NCNT shows fuel cell performance close to that of Pt/C in alkaline DMFC testing.