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Enhancing the activity of Fe-N-C oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalysts by high-throughput exploration of synthesis parameters

Journal Article · · Electrochimica Acta
Here, the most active class of platinum group metal-free (PGM-free) oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts in acidic electrolytes are those synthesized by heat treatment of iron, carbon, nitrogen precursors (Fe-N-C). Due to the large number of possible precursor compounds, a small fraction of the synthesis variable space has been explored. Correlation of synthesis variables with Fe speciation and ORR activity has been limited. In this work, an automation platform and a multi-port ball-milling were utilized to evaluate the effects of synthesis variables, such as identity of iron precursor, iron loading, and carbon and nitrogen sources on the ORR activity of iron -nitrogen-carbon catalysts in acidic electrolyte. The ORR activity is correlated with catalyst Fe speciation determined using Fe K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAFS).
Research Organization:
Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Office of Sustainable Transportation. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Office of Workforce Development for Teachers & Scientists (WDTS)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC02-06CH11357
OSTI ID:
2375491
Journal Information:
Electrochimica Acta, Journal Name: Electrochimica Acta Vol. 441; ISSN 0013-4686
Publisher:
ElsevierCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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  • Koslowski, Ulrike I.; Abs-Wurmbach, Irmgard; Fiechter, Sebastian
  • The Journal of Physical Chemistry C, Vol. 112, Issue 39, p. 15356-15366 https://doi.org/10.1021/jp802456e
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