Cross-laboratory experimental study of non-noble-metal electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction

TLDR: Nine non-noble-metal catalysts from five different laboratories were investigated for the catalysis of O(2) electroreduction in an acidic medium, and the nitrogen and metal seem to be present in sufficient amounts in the NNMCs and do not limit activity.

Abstract: Nine non-noble-metal catalysts (NNMCs) from five different laboratories were investigated for the catalysis of O2 electroreduction in an acidic medium. The catalyst precursors were synthesized by wet impregnation, planetary ball milling, a foaming-agent technique, or a templating method. All catalyst precursors were subjected to one or more heat treatments at 700−1050 °C in an inert or reactive atmosphere. These catalysts underwent an identical set of electrochemical characterizations, including rotating-disk-electrode and polymer−electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) tests and voltammetry under N2. Ex situ characterization was comprised of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, neutron activation analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and N2 adsorption and its analysis with an advanced model for carbonaceous powders. In PEMFC, several NNMCs display mass activities of 10−20 A g−1 at 0.8 V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode, and one shows 80 A g−1. The latter value corresponds to a volumetric activity of ...