Carbon black functionalized by grafting of Azo‐generated‐radicals as electrocatalyst support for the oxygen reduction reaction

Functionalization of the carbon support is a promising strategy for lowering platinum loadings at the cathode of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Here, nitrogen‐containing moieties are introduced directly onto carbon black by a simple and easily tunable grafting method initiated by the thermal d...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Electrochemical science advances 2021-11, Vol.1 (4), p.n/a
Main Authors: Matsutori, Koji, Olu, Pierre‐Yves, Matsuoka, Miki, Nakazawa, Taichi, Kinumoto, Taro
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Carbon black
Decomposition
durability
grafting
Microscopy
Nanoparticles
Nitrogen
Oxidation
oxygen reduction reaction
proton‐exchange membrane fuel cells
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Summary:Functionalization of the carbon support is a promising strategy for lowering platinum loadings at the cathode of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Here, nitrogen‐containing moieties are introduced directly onto carbon black by a simple and easily tunable grafting method initiated by the thermal decomposition of azo compounds in water. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and elemental analysis confirm the successful functionalization. After deposition of Pt nanoparticles onto the carbon supports, the electrocatalysts are characterized in thin film rotating disk electrode (RDE) configuration towards the acidic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The grafting does not influence the Pt intrinsic ORR activity when the thin film does not include ionomer. However, the functionalization modifies the ionomer/carbon material interaction, leading to higher apparent ORR activity when the ionomer is included in the thin film. Moreover, accelerated stress testing shows durability enhancement as the result of grafting. Carbon black is functionalized by amidine moieties using a simple and easily tunable grafting synthesis in water. This material is used as a support for platinum nanoparticles and characterized towards the acidic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Functionalization leads to (i) a better spread of the ionomer inside the electroactive thin film, inducing higher apparent ORR activity and (ii) enhanced durability.
ISSN:2698-5977
2698-5977
DOI:10.1002/elsa.202100014