Transition metal-containing nitrogen-doped nanocarbon catalysts derived from 5-methylresorcinol for anion exchange membrane fuel cell application

• Published in: Journal of colloid and interface science 2021-02, Vol.584, p.263-274
• Main Authors: Kisand, Kaarel, Sarapuu, Ave, Danilian, Dmytro, Kikas, Arvo, Kisand, Vambola, Rähn, Mihkel, Treshchalov, Alexey, Käärik, Maike, Merisalu, Maido, Paiste, Päärn, Aruväli, Jaan, Leis, Jaan, Sammelselg, Väino, Holdcroft, Steven, Tammeveski, Kaido
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alkaline membrane fuel cell; Carbonitride template; Electrocatalysis; MNC catalysts; Non-precious metal catalysts; Oxygen reduction
• ISSN: 0021-9797; 1095-7103
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2020.09.114

[Display omitted] Highly active electrocatalysts for electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) were prepared by high-temperature pyrolysis from 5-methylresorcinol, Co and/or Fe salts and dicyandiamide, which acts simultaneously as a precursor for reactive carbonitride template and a nitrogen source. The electrocatalytic activity of the catalysts for ORR in alkaline solution was studied using the rotating disc electrode (RDE) method. The bimetallic catalyst containing iron and cobalt (FeCoNC-at) showed excellent stability and remarkable ORR performance, comparable to that of commercial Pt/C (20 wt%). The superior activity was attributed to high surface metal and nitrogen contents. The FeCoNC-at catalyst was further tested in anion exchange membrane fuel cell (AEMFC) with poly-(hexamethyl-p-terphenylbenzimidazolium) (HMT-PMBI) membrane, where a high value of peak power density (Pmax = 415 mW cm−2) was achieved.