Lignin-derived bimetallic platinum group metal-free oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalysts for acid and alkaline fuel cells

Metal-nitrogen-carbons (M-N-Cs) as a reliable substitution for platinum-group-metals (PGMs) for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are emerging candidates to rationalize the technology of fuel cells. The development of M-N-Cs can further be economized by consuming waste biomass as an inexpensive carbon...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of power sources Vol. 556; p. 232416
Main Authors Muhyuddin, Mohsin, Friedman, Ariel, Poli, Federico, Petri, Elisabetta, Honig, Hilah, Basile, Francesco, Fasolini, Andrea, Lorenzi, Roberto, Berretti, Enrico, Bellini, Marco, Lavacchi, Alessandro, Elbaz, Lior, Santoro, Carlo, Soavi, Francesca
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Elsevier B.V 01.02.2023
Subjects
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

Loading…
More Information
Summary:Metal-nitrogen-carbons (M-N-Cs) as a reliable substitution for platinum-group-metals (PGMs) for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are emerging candidates to rationalize the technology of fuel cells. The development of M-N-Cs can further be economized by consuming waste biomass as an inexpensive carbon source for the electrocatalyst support. Herein, we report the simple fabrication and in-depth characterization of electrocatalysts using lignin-derived activated char. The activated char (LAC) was functionalized with metal phthalocyanine (FePc and MnPc) via atmosphere-controlled pyrolysis to produce monometallic M-N-Cs (L_Mn and L_Fe) and bimetallic M1-M2-N-Cs (L_FeMn) electrocatalysts. Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed a defect-rich architecture. XPS confirmed the coexistence of various nitrogen-containing active moieties. L_Fe and L_FeMn demonstrated appreciable ORR in both acidic and alkaline conditions whereas L_FeMn helped in restricting the peroxide yield, particularly in alkaline media. L_Fe and L_FeMn demonstrated remarkable onset potential (Eonset) of ∼0.942 V (vs RHE) with an E1/2 of 0.874 V (vs RHE) in 0.1 M KOH. In acid, L_FeMn had an Eonset of 0.817 V (vs RHE) and an E1/2 of ∼0.76 V (vs RHE). Finally, the L_FeMn as a cathode electrocatalyst was integrated and tested in PEMFC and AEMFC. AEMFC demonstrated optimistic performance with a peak power density of 261 mW cm−2 at the current density of ∼577 mA cm−2. •Waste lignin was valorized through pyrolysis and high surface area char was synthesized.•The biochar was functionalized by Fe-, Mn- and Fe–Mn phthalocyanine.•Fe- and FeMn- catalysts showed superior ORR compared to Mn-catalyst.•Integration of PGM-free FeMn-catalyst in PEMFC reached a Pmax of ∼72 mW cm−2.•Integration of PGM-free FeMn-catalyst in AEMFC reached a Pmax of ∼261 mW cm−2.
ISSN:0378-7753
1873-2755
DOI:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2022.232416