Abstract
Nitrogen and transition metal containing carbon composites are considered as promising non-platinum oxygen reduction catalysts with potential to replace Pt in fuel cell cathodes and metal-air batteries. Nitrogen-rich precursor guanidinium chloride, transition metal salts (Fe/Co) and high surface area carbon spheres are pyrolyzed to yield non-platinum composite electrocatalysts with new and interesting morphological features. Based on rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE) experiments, both cobalt, and iron containing composite catalysts exhibited significant oxygen reduction activity in alkaline solutions with E1/2 values (∼60 mV lower) of best catalyst comparable to Pt/C. The kinetic parameter analysis, using Koutecky-Levich relation, for the best catalyst made of cobalt, nitrogen and carbon (Co-N-C) show specific exchange current densities of 0.1 mA mg−1, Tafel slopes of 75–80 mV dec−1 and %H2O2 of 10–13% of the total current in alkaline solution. XRD, BET, XPS and Raman spectral study serve as a complementary tool to evaluate the structure of the composite electrocatalysts.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
