Macrocyclic complexes of first-row transition metals have demonstrated ability to catalyze oxygen reduction, which could potentially replace the expensive platinum catalysts that are currently used in devices such as proton-exchange membrane fuel cells. Elucidating the catalytic pathways involved in oxygen reduction is crucial for optimization and improved design of new catalysts. Additionally, studying the interaction of oxygen with catalysts adsorbed on electrode surfaces can provide insight into the eventual utility of the catalyst in a device.Our work has focused on the study of iron and cobalt corrole complexes. Extensive work has been done previously demonstrating the ability of cobalt corrole complexes to catalyze oxygen reduction through both 2- and 4-electron pathways. However, very little comparable work has been done with iron. We have demonstrated oxygen reduction and studied the kinetics of surface oxygen adsorption using an iron corrole complex, as well as demonstrating oxygen reduction with its cobalt analogue. This work is complemented by our electrochemical study of corrole complexes that incorporate a tethering arm that can be attached to a modified surface, which would allow for improved stability in a fuel cell.

Oxygen adsorption and reduction by first-row transition metal corrole complexes

248th National Meeting (2014)

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