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Metal-free nitrogen-doped graphenic materials as cathode catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

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Abstract

Exhibiting a very high surface area, a good electrical conductivity and a high density of active sites, nitrogen-doped graphenic materials are considered as promising catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Seldom studied in acidic media, N-doped graphenic foams were tested here as the cathode catalysts of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). The materials were prepared via a solvothermal-based process, by reacting either cyclohexanol and ethanolamine or 1-(2-hydroxyethylethyl) piperidine with metallic sodium, under high pressure and temperature. Membrane electrode assemblies were prepared with a Pt/C anode, 212 Nafion membrane, and an 8 mm disk cathode based on the graphenic materials. The performance exhibited by the PEMFC was evaluated using chronopotentiometry and impedance spectroscopy, depending on the synthesis conditions. The kinetic parameters of the ORR were estimated by interpretation of the experimental data: the high Tafel slope found might express the partial control of oxygen diffusion through the graphenic microporous structure. Relationships between the electrochemical behavior of the materials and their structural properties are discussed. Moderately crystallized materials with a low oxygen content showed the highest catalytic properties, with a current density larger than 30 mA cm−2 and a maximum power density at 2.3 mW cm−2.

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Acknowledgements

This work was partly supported by the French PIA project “Lorraine Université d’Excellence”, reference ANR-15-IDEX-04-LUE.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut Jean Lamour, CNRS – Université de Lorraine, 2 Allée André Guinier, 54000, Nancy, France

    Lilian Moumaneix, Sébastien Fontana & Claire Hérold

  2. Laboratoire Réactions et Génie des Procédés, CNRS – Université de Lorraine, 1 rue Grandville, 54000, Nancy, France

    Lilian Moumaneix & François Lapicque

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  1. Lilian Moumaneix
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Correspondence to François Lapicque.

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Moumaneix, L., Fontana, S., Hérold, C. et al. Metal-free nitrogen-doped graphenic materials as cathode catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. J Appl Electrochem 51, 727–738 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10800-021-01532-6

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