Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells present an opportunity for high-efficiency, high energy density, direct electrochemical energy with low-to-zero emissions for stationary and portable fuel cell applications. However, the commercial viability of current PEM fuel cells is limited by the high cost and low durability of platinum-based catalysts required to increase the kinetics of the anodic hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) and cathodic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). This summer in Singapore, I worked to develop a low-cost, high-durability nonprecious metal catalyst (NPMC) for ORR while gaining understanding of an international approach to scientific research. Post-synthesis pyrolysis of the Fe-containing metal-organic framework (MOF), MIL88C, in the presence of a nitrogen-containing precursor produced a material which, based on compositional analysis and performance-testing, likely contains ORR catalytic sites of the widely-studied Fe-N-C structure. Compared to a platinum standard, the MOF-derived catalyst performs well in alkaline solution at a fraction of the cost. Electrochemical characterization demonstrated earlier on-set of ORR and similar mass-transfer compared to the platinum standard. Furthermore, increasing pyrolysis temperature from 800 °C to 1000 °C resulted in decreasing N-content and decreasing catalytic performance. Additional characterization of the MOF-derived catalyst will further elucidate the properties leading to its high performance and, importantly, determine its performance in acidic solution. Completing this research while having the opportunity to explore Singapore and other South East Asian countries through trying their legendary food, visiting historic temples, and meeting kind people created a uniquely valuable summer experience that has propelled my personal and scientific growth.

Exploring Singapore through electrocatalysts and Katong Laksa

251st National Meeting (2016)

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