Nonprecious transition metal nitrides as efficient oxygen reduction electrocatalysts for alkaline fuel cells

Zeng, Rui; Yang, Yao; Feng, Xinran; Li, Huiqi; Gibbs, Lauryn M.; DiSalvo, Francis J.; Abruña, Héctor D.

doi:10.1126/sciadv.abj1584

Nonprecious transition metal nitrides as efficient oxygen reduction electrocatalysts for alkaline fuel cells

Journal Article · Wed Feb 02 00:00:00 EST 2022 · Science Advances

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abj1584· OSTI ID:1904323

^[1]; ^[2]; ^[2]; ^[2]; Gibbs, Lauryn M. ^[2]; DiSalvo, Francis J. ^[2]; ^[2]

Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY (United States); OSTI
Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY (United States)

Hydrogen fuel cells have attracted growing attention for high-performance automotive power but are hindered by the scarcity of platinum (and other precious metals) used to catalyze the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). We report on a family of nonprecious transition metal nitrides (TMNs) as ORR electrocatalysts in alkaline medium. The air-exposed nitrides spontaneously form a several-nanometer-thick oxide shell on the conductive nitride core, serving as a highly active catalyst architecture. The most active catalyst, carbon-supported cobalt nitride (Co₃N/C), exhibited a half-wave potential of 0.862 V and achieved a record-high peak power density among reported nitride cathode catalysts of 700 mW cm^–2 in alkaline membrane electrode assemblies. Operando x-ray absorption spectroscopy studies revealed that Co₃N/C remains stable below 1.0 V but experiences irreversible oxidation at higher potentials. This work provides a comprehensive analysis of nonprecious TMNs as ORR electrocatalysts and will help inform future design of TMNs for alkaline fuel cells and other energy applications.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: National Science Foundation (NSF); USDOE Office of Science (SC)

Grant/Contract Number:: SC0019445

OSTI ID:: 1904323

Journal Information:: Science Advances, Journal Name: Science Advances Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 8; ISSN 2375-2548

Publisher:: AAASCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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