N-doped carbon nanomaterials are durable catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction in acidic fuel cells

The availability of low-cost, efficient, and durable catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a prerequisite for commercialization of the fuel cell technology. Along with intensive research efforts of more than half a century in developing nonprecious metal catalysts (NPMCs) to replace the expensive and scarce platinum-based catalysts, a new class of carbon-based, low-cost, metal-free ORR catalysts was demonstrated to show superior ORR performance to commercial platinum catalysts, particularly in alkaline electrolytes. However, their large-scale practical application in more popular acidic polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells remained elusive because they are often found to be less effective…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Awards: CMMI-1266295, 1266295, IIP-1343270, 1343270
• DO
  Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation

  Awards: 1266295, CMMI-1266295