Metal-free nitrogen-doped graphenic materials as cathode catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

Exhibiting a very high surface area, a good electrical conductivity and a high density of active sites, nitrogen-doped graphenic materials are considered as promising catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Seldom studied in acidic media, N-doped graphenic foams were tested here as the ca...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of applied electrochemistry 2021-05, Vol.51 (5), p.727-738
Main Authors: Moumaneix, Lilian, Fontana, Sébastien, Hérold, Claire, Lapicque, François
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Catalysts
Cathodes
Chemical Sciences
Chemistry
Chemistry and Materials Science
Crystallization
Electrical resistivity
Electrochemical analysis
Electrochemistry
Electrolytes
Electrolytic cells
Fuel cells
Industrial Chemistry/Chemical Engineering
Material chemistry
Maximum power density
Nitrogen
Oxygen content
Oxygen reduction reactions
Parameter estimation
Physical Chemistry
Piperidine
Plastic foam
Polymers
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells
Research Article
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Summary:Exhibiting a very high surface area, a good electrical conductivity and a high density of active sites, nitrogen-doped graphenic materials are considered as promising catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Seldom studied in acidic media, N-doped graphenic foams were tested here as the cathode catalysts of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). The materials were prepared via a solvothermal-based process, by reacting either cyclohexanol and ethanolamine or 1-(2-hydroxyethylethyl) piperidine with metallic sodium, under high pressure and temperature. Membrane electrode assemblies were prepared with a Pt/C anode, 212 Nafion membrane, and an 8 mm disk cathode based on the graphenic materials. The performance exhibited by the PEMFC was evaluated using chronopotentiometry and impedance spectroscopy, depending on the synthesis conditions. The kinetic parameters of the ORR were estimated by interpretation of the experimental data: the high Tafel slope found might express the partial control of oxygen diffusion through the graphenic microporous structure. Relationships between the electrochemical behavior of the materials and their structural properties are discussed. Moderately crystallized materials with a low oxygen content showed the highest catalytic properties, with a current density larger than 30 mA cm −2 and a maximum power density at 2.3 mW cm −2 . Graphic abstract
ISSN:0021-891X
1572-8838
DOI:10.1007/s10800-021-01532-6