New catalyst breakthrough: Improving oxygen reduction reaction with dual nitrogen sources

Fuel cells and metal-air batteries are considered the future of clean energy technology, but they rely on one critical reaction—the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR)—to convert energy efficiently. Traditionally, platinum (Pt) and its alloys have been the go-to catalysts for this process due to their high activity, but they come with significant drawbacks, such as high cost and poor stability. Now, a team of researchers led by Yuan Zhao from Jinling Institute of Technology (China) may have found a promising solution. Their research, published in Frontiers in Energy in Oct. 2024, explores the potential of an Fe-N-C catalyst using dual nitrogen sources, showing that it can outperform Pt-based catalysts in several key areas.

The Search for Pt-Free Alternatives

The team's innovation lies in using dual nitrogen sources—dicyandiamide (DCDA) and polyaniline (PANI)—to create an Fe-N-C catalyst that enhances the distribution density of active catalytic sites. These nitrogen sources tune the structure and morphology of the material, making it more efficient at driving the ORR process. By maintaining a high nitrogen-pyrrole/nitrogen-graphitic (N-P/N-G) value, the new catalyst increases the availability of catalytic sites, which is crucial for improving its overall activity.

"We found that the dual nitrogen sources played a complementary role," said Zhao. "While PANI generated a coarser carbon structure with dominant micropores, DCDA produced a finer, more graphitized material. Together, they created a catalyst with enhanced surface area and improved catalytic performance."

Promising Results in the Lab

The results were striking. Electrochemical tests showed that the new Fe-N-C catalyst demonstrated superior ORR performance compared to commercial Pt/C catalysts.

One of the most impressive aspects of the new catalyst is its stability. The Fe-N-C catalyst displayed remarkable durability in alkaline media, retaining its performance over time. Moreover, it showed greater resistance to methanol, a common fuel contaminant that can degrade the performance of Pt-based catalysts.

"The dual nitrogen sources allowed us to fine-tune the catalyst's structure in ways that hadn't been fully explored before," explained Rongrong Hu, a co-author from Nanjing University of Science and Technology. "We saw significant improvements in both the surface area and the activity of the catalyst."

The Future of Fe-N-C Catalysts

The development of this Fe-N-C catalyst marks a significant step forward in the search for platinum-free alternatives in ORR. With improved activity, stability, and methanol resistance, the new catalyst has the potential to be used in a variety of applications, including fuel cells and metal-air batteries.

"While our results are promising, there is still more work to be done," said Zhao. "We are now exploring how different metal elements and nitrogen sources can further improve the performance of Fe-N-C catalysts. Our ultimate goal is to create a catalyst that is not only high-performing but also scalable and cost-effective."