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Standardized protocols for evaluating platinum group metal-free oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalysts in polymer electrolyte fuel cells

Journal Article · · Nature Catalysis
 [1];  [2];  [3];  [1];  [4];  [5];  [3];  [1]
  1. Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
  2. Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States); National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States). Chemistry and Nanosciences Center
  3. Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Lemont, IL (United States)
  4. Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States). Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS)
  5. National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States). Chemistry and Nanosciences Center
+ Show Author Affiliations
Platinum group metal (PGM)-free electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction at the polymer electrolyte fuel cell cathode have shown substantial improvements in activity—especially those derived from transition metals, nitrogen and carbon. However, their stability and durability remain insufficient. A key to enabling future improvements and performance comparisons lies in the development of test protocols that are relevant to the operating conditions of the fuel cell cathode, can be completed within a reasonable time and are ubiquitously adopted. Here we propose and validate such protocols, designed with special attention to typical catalyst degradation mechanisms of PGM-free catalysts. The results of the cross-laboratory validation study using two different catalysts attest to the strength and feasibility of the proposed approach. We hope that the information provided here can serve as a broad and effective platform for assessing the performance and durability of PGM-free catalysts for polymer electrolyte fuel cells.
Research Organization:
Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States); Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO); USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Transportation Office. Fuel Cell Technologies Office; USDOE Office of Science (SC)
Grant/Contract Number:
89233218CNA000001; AC02-06CH11357; AC05-00OR22725; AC36-08GO28308
OSTI ID:
1875343
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1871539
OSTI ID: 1880104
Journal Information:
Nature Catalysis, Journal Name: Nature Catalysis Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 5; ISSN 2520-1158
Publisher:
Springer NatureCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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