Identification of carbon-encapsulated iron nanoparticles as active species in non-precious metal oxygen reduction catalysts
Year: 2016
Type: article
Abstract: The widespread use of fuel cells is currently limited by the lack of efficient and cost-effective catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction. Iron-based non-precious metal catalysts exhibit promising activity and stability, as an alternative to state-of-the-art platinum catalysts. However, the identity of the active species in non-precious metal catalysts remains elusive, impeding the development of new catalysts. Here we demonstrate the reversible deactivation and reactivation of an iron-based non-precious metal oxygen reduction catalyst achieved using high-temperature gas-phase chlorine and hydrogen treatments. In addition, we observe a decrease in catalyst heterogeneity following treatment with chlorine and hydrogen, using Mössbauer and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Our study reveals that protected sites adjacent to iron nanoparticles are responsible for the observed activity and stability of the catalyst. These findings may allow for the design and synthesis of enhanced non-precious metal oxygen reduction catalysts with a higher density of active sites.
Source: Nature Communications
DOI: 10.1038/ncomms12582
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $6,990
Awards: QUANTUM MATERIALS AT THE NANOSCALE, G222768804, G2469872405, DMREF: Collaborative Research: Toolkit to Characterize and Design Bi-functional Nanoparticle Catalysts, QUANTUM MATERIALS AT THE NANOSCALE, PROGRAMMING FUNCTION VIA SOFT MATERIALS, G4115495726, QUANTUM MATERIALS AT THE NANOSCALE, QUANTUM MATERIALS AT THE NANOSCALE, Spectroscopy, Structure, and Reactivity on Electrode Surfaces, PROGRAMMING FUNCTION VIA SOFT MATERIALS, PROGRAMMING FUNCTION VIA SOFT MATERIALS, PROGRAMMING FUNCTION VIA SOFT MATERIALS, G9000220036
OpenAlex ID: W2507574566