Carbon-based catalyst for PEFC cathode was prepared from polyacrylonitrile (PAN) by adopting the PAN-based carbon fiber chemistry. The PAN prepared on radical polymerization was stabilized in air. The stabilized PAN was pyrolyzed in nitrogen. Finally the carbon-based catalyst was obtained after activation in ammonia. On half cell testing with rotating disc electrode (RDE) measurement, the catalyst prepared with appropriate amount of Fe species in pyrolysis process showed high oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity. Additionally, a membrane electrode assembly comprising of the carbon-based catalyst as cathode catalyst was prepared and its PEFC performance has been also demonstrated.
Pt-free cathode catalyst was prepared by pyrolyzing fine nano particles of polyimide. The catalytic activity for oxygen reduction in acidic media was confirmed with the sample paralyzed at over 600 ˚C. The morphology of the fine particles was retained even after the carbonization. Carbon based cathode catalyst with such morphology is quite promising considering the application in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells.
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