On site formation of N-doped carbon nanofibers, an efficient electrocatalyst for fuel cell applications

Abstract

The development of non-noble electrocatalysts for low temperature fuel cells is essential for a broader use of hydrogen technologies. In this study, nitrogen doped carbon nanofibers are obtained without post-treatments; the effect of the carbonization temperature on the physicochemical properties of the carbon nanofibers was studied by X-Ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Nitrogen adsorption and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The calcination temperature has a profound effect on the carbon nanofiber properties, which, influences their electrocatalytic activity towards the oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline media. Unlike previous studies, the formation of Nitrogen doped Carbon Nanofibers in a single step without post-treatments or special atmospheres simplify the production method. It was found that higher calcination temperature results in better graphitization process, along with a greater formation of meso and microporosities; moreover, higher calcination temperatures induces a higher amount of nitrogen as dopant in quaternary-N positions, promoting a higher catalytic activity towards the oxygen reduction reaction, analyzed by Cyclic voltammetry and Rotating disk electrode experiments.