Non precious metal catalysts for O2 reduction in pemfc applications

N. Tricás, J. Herranz, M. Lefèvre, J. P. Dodelet, S. Borrós

Research output: Book chapterConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

There is a need for a non-precious metal oxygen reduction catalyst in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC). In this work two plasma reactors were optimized to treat carbon black powders, which are used as the support for these catalysts. The aim of this treatment is to obtain nitrogen-bearing functionalities on the carbonaceous surface that will be able to coordinate iron ions in order to catalyze the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Different carbon supports as well as several conditions during the plasma treatments have been evaluated. The final materials were characterized by means of XPS and pH measurements. After loading the plasma treated carbon with iron, followed by a pyrolysis treatment, the material was tested for its catalytic activity using a Rotating Disk Electrode (RDE). The results show that plasma modification is effective in producing non-precious metal catalysts on selected carbon black powders like carbon N134, but it is detrimental for a carbon black like Vulcan.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication16th World Hydrogen Energy Conference 2006, WHEC 2006
Pages2926-2934
Number of pages9
Publication statusPublished - 2006
Event16th World Hydrogen Energy Conference 2006, WHEC 2006 - Lyon, France
Duration: 13 Jun 200616 Jun 2006

Publication series

Name16th World Hydrogen Energy Conference 2006, WHEC 2006
Volume4

Conference

Conference16th World Hydrogen Energy Conference 2006, WHEC 2006
Country/TerritoryFrance
CityLyon
Period13/06/0616/06/06

Keywords

  • Carbon black
  • Free noble metal catalyst
  • Oxygen reduction
  • Plasma modification

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