Synthesis And Characterization of New Non-Platinum Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction

摘要

A new group of carbon-supported ruthenium- and iridium-based electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was synthesized, using RuCl_3 or IrCl_3 and selenourea (as precursor of both Se and N). The heat treated catalysts (later abbreviated as RuSeN/C and IrSeN/C) were subjected to physical characterization, like X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Studies revealed changes in surface properties of Ru- and Ir- based catalysts. Catalytic performances of obtained catalysts were evaluated using Rotating Ring Disk Electrode (RRDE) in acid solution. The ORR activity and hydrogen peroxide generation on designed selenides were dependent on the ratio of metal and selenourea used in precursor blend and were separately characteristic for ruthenium and iridium. While RuSeN/C exhibited high ethanol tolerance, the ORR activity of IrSeN/C in the presence of ethanol depended on the amount of selenourea. CoSeN/C and FeSeN/C were also prepared and characterized as low-cost alternative catalysts.