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Iron-chelated electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in a microbial fuel cell (MFC) were prepared from sodium ferric ethylenediamine-N,N′-bis(2-hydroxyphenylacetic acid) (FeE), sodium ferric diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (FeD) supported on carbon Vulcan XC-72R carbon black and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Catalyst morphology was investigated by TEM; and the total surfaces areas as well as the pore volumes of catalysts were examined by nitrogen physisorption characterization. The catalytic activity of the iron based catalysts towards ORR was studied by cyclic voltammetry, showing the higher electrochemical activity of FeE in comparison with FeD and the superior performance of catalysts supported on CNT rather than on Vulcan XC-72R carbon black. FeE/CNT was used as cathodic catalyst in a microbial fuel cell (MFC) using domestic wastewater as fuel. The maximum current density and power density recorded are 110 (mA m−2) and 127 ± 0.9 (mW m−2), respectively. These values are comparable with those obtained using platinum on carbon Vulcan (0.13 mA m−2 and 226 ± 0.2 mW m−2), demonstrating that these catalysts can be used as substitutes for commercial Pt/C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Platinum (Pt) is a popular catalyst for hydrogen oxidation on the anode side of solid polymer fuel cells (SPFC). It increases the electrode activity, which catalyzes the reaction of the fuel cell. There are two methods commonly used to produce hydrogen for SPFC: fuel reforming and methanol decomposition. Both of these methods produce carbon monoxide, which is considered to be a poison for SPFC because it deactivates Pt easily. Adding ruthenium (Ru) to a Pt catalyst is an efficient way to improve the inhibition of carbon monoxide (CO) formation and reduce the Pt loading requirement. This study introduces a method to synthesize a bimetal catalyst that is suitable for SPFC. To improve the electrocatalyst activity, a new process with two spontaneous deposition steps is adopted. In the first step, Ru is deposited on the wall of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to obtain Ru/CNTs. Pt is then added in the second deposition step to form Pt–Ru/CNTs. The morphology and microstructure of catalysts are characterized with microscopes, and the performance of membrane electrode assembly is evaluated by cyclic voltammetry method. Experimental results have proved that even with a lower Pt loading, this home-brewed bimetal catalyst performs a compatible electrocatalytic activity, and is capable of resisting attack from CO when a syngas (H2 +20ppm CO) is provided. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]