Identification of carbon-encapsulated iron nanoparticles as active species in non-precious metal oxygen reduction catalysts.

ABSTRACT: The widespread use of fuel cells is currently limited by the lack of efficient and cost-effective catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction. Iron-based non-precious metal catalysts exhibit promising activity and stability, as an alternative to state-of-the-art platinum catalysts. However, the identity of the active species in non-precious metal catalysts remains elusive, impeding the development of new catalysts. Here we demonstrate the reversible deactivation and reactivation of an iron-based non-precious metal oxygen reduction catalyst achieved using high-temperature gas-phase chlorine and hydrogen treatments. In addition, we observe a decrease in catalyst heterogeneity following treatment with chlorine and hydrogen, using Mössbauer and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Our study reveals

SUBMITTER: Varnell JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4992170 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature