Fuel cells, which rely on an electrochemical reaction rather than combustion, offer carbon-free energy and have emerged as a viable alternative to fossil fuels. However, the current reliance on platinum group metals (PGMs) as catalysts poses a significant barrier to scaling up fuel cell technology for commercial use. PGMs are expensive and in limited supply, accounting for a substantial portion of fuel cell production costs.
To address this challenge, researchers have been exploring alternative catalyst materials, such as iron-nitrogen doped carbon (Fe–N–C). A recent study conducted by researchers at Purdue University, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Brookhaven National Laboratory investigated the use of Fe–N–C catalysts as a low-cost alternative to PGM-based catalysts. By analyzing the electronic structure of the catalyst material with the addition of the ionomer Nafion, the researchers gained new insights into the behavior of Fe–N–C catalysts.
The findings of the study, published in ACS Applied Energy Materials, contribute to the ongoing search for a low-cost PGM alternative with high activity, selectivity, and stability. Fe–N–C catalysts have shown comparable performance to PGM catalysts, but their durability needs improvement. By studying the interaction between Fe–N–C catalysts and Nafion, the researchers discovered that Nafion plays a crucial role in optimizing fuel cell performance by releasing iron atoms that are bound too strongly to the catalyst material.
Investing in the hydrogen sector is crucial because fuel cells offer a clean and efficient energy solution. By finding low-cost catalyst alternatives like Fe–N–C, the scalability of fuel cell technology can be enhanced, reducing carbon emissions and promoting a sustainable energy future. Continued research and development in this field will contribute to the advancement of the hydrogen economy and its potential for widespread adoption in various industries.
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