With the consumption of fossil fuel, the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) has been considered as one of the most effective methods to solve the energy crisis. Platinum catalyst shows a tremendous performance in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which is one of the most essential processes. However, due to the cost, the development of the PEMFC calls for the non-precious metal catalysts with admirable performance in ORR, such as Fe-N-C catalyst. We report a process to synthesize a Fe-N-C catalyst. Firstly, oxide grapheme, water, formaldehyde and resorcinol were mixed and stirred. Secondly, the solution was transferred into an autoclave, heated at 85 degrees for 24 h, and cooled down, with FeCl3 dissolved. Finally, the precursors were carbonized in NH3 at a heating rate of 5 degrees min-1, kept at 800 degrees for 2 hours. The Fe-N-C catalyst was obtained after a process including leached with 0.5 M H2SO4 for 5 h and heated at 800 degrees for 2 h in N2. The electrochemical tests showed the limiting current density of Pt and Fe-N-C was similar, and the half-wave potential of Fe-N-C was about 50 mV lower than Pt. According to the Koutecky-Levich equation, we calculated the electron transfer number was 3.97, and the productivity of H2O2 was 1.29%, which proved a four-electrons transfer process. In conclusion, we got the Fe-N-C catalyst with good performance in ORR.

3D, porous Fe-N-C catalyst based on oxide grapheme-phenolic resin for oxygen reduction reaction

2019 Spring National Meeting

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.