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In this manuscript, a comprehensive study is presented on Fe-based electrocatalysts with mono, bi, and tri-metallic compositions, emphasizing the influence of processing-structure correlations on the electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in the alkaline medium. These electrocatalysts were synthesized through the mixing of transition metal phthalocyanines (TM-Pc) with conductive carbon support, followed by controlled thermal treatment at specific temperatures (600 °C and 900 °C). An extensive analysis was conducted, employing various techniques, including X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD), providing valuable insights into the structural characteristics of the synthesized nanoparticles. Importantly, an increase in the Fe-Pc weight percentage from 10% to 30% enhanced the ORR activity, although not proportionally. Furthermore, a comparative analysis between mono, bi, and tri-metallic samples subjected to different functionalization temperatures highlighted the superior electrocatalytic activity of electrocatalysts functionalized at 600 °C, particularly Fe 600 and Fe-Ni-Cu 600. These electrocatalysts featured Eon values of 0.96 V vs. RHE and E1/2 values of 0.9 V vs. RHE, with the added benefit of reduced anionic peroxide production. The potential of these Fe-based electrocatalysts to enhance ORR efficiency is underscored by this research, contributing to the development of more effective and sustainable electrocatalysts for energy conversion technologies.

In the last 20 years, direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs) have been the subject of tremendous research efforts for the potential application as on-demand power sources. Two leading technologies respectively based on proton exchange membranes (PEMs) and anion exchange membranes (AEMs) have emerged: the first one operating in an acidic environment and conducting protons; the second one operating in alkaline electrolytes and conducting hydroxyl ions. In this review, we present an analysis of the state-of-the-art acidic and alkaline DAFCs fed with methanol and ethanol with the purpose to support a comparative analysis of acidic and alkaline systems, which is missing in the current literature. A special focus is placed on the effect of the reaction stoichiometry in acidic and alkaline systems. Particularly, we point out that, in alkaline systems, OH− participates stoichiometrically to reactions, and that alcohol oxidation products are anions. This aspect must be considered when designing the fuel and when making an energy evaluation from a whole system perspective. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]

In this work, platinum group metal-free (PGM-free) electrocatalysts were synthesized, characterized, and tested for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). These materials were mono-, bi- and trimetallic Ni-based electrocatalysts with the addition of a second or a third transition metal (TM), such as iron and cobalt. TM–phthalocyanine (TMPc) was used as a metal precursor, mixed with a conductive carbon backbone and subjected to pyrolysis under controlled temperature and atmosphere conditions. Two temperatures of pyrolysis (600 °C and 900 °C) were used. The effect of TM loading in the precursors, different pyrolysis temperatures on the surface chemistry and morphology, and electrocatalytic activity towards HER were evaluated. The increase of NiPc in the initial mixture is beneficial to improving the electrocatalytic activity. The addition of a second and a third metal reflects positively on the HER performance. Interestingly, the pyrolysis temperature influences both the formation and growth of the nanoparticles, and this information is supported by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and light synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements.

Within the framework of the circular economy, the waste litchi's skins were upgraded and transformed into electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The waste litchi's skins were pyrolyzed, activated, and then used as carbon support for fabricating metal–nitrogen–carbons (M–N–Cs) which belong to a promising class of platinum group metal-free electrocatalysts. The activated char was functionalized with transition metal (Fe, Ni, and Co)- phthalocyanine (Pc) in monometallic and bimetallic fashion by subjecting it to a thermal treatment at 600 and 900°C. The samples functionalized at 900°C showed higher performance for HER due to the formation of metal nanoparticles, whereas the samples functionalized at 600°C showed higher performance for ORR. Particularly, sample Ni–Co 900 had an overpotential of −0.38 V for HER, while the sample Fe 600 was the most active electrocatalyst for ORR by demonstrating the onset potential of ∼0.9 V (a half-wave potential of ∼0.81 V) with the least production of unwanted peroxide anion.

In direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs), the oxidation of alcohols happens at the expenses of the oxygen reduction reaction at the cathode. DAFCs' cathodes use a significant amount of platinum that is an expensive critical raw material. Moreover, platinum oxidizes alcohols, a fact that combined with alcohol crossover, decreases significantly the performance of the cells. The use of Fe-based (Fe[sbnd]N[sbnd]C) platinum group metal–free (PGM-free) cathodes is a convenient strategy to overcome these limitations. This review analyzes the application of PGM-free cathodes to DAFCs. The discussion focuses on acidic systems and covers the following subjects: (i) the breakdown of DAFC potential in its components, (ii) the analysis of the advantages from the use of the PGM-free cathode, and (iii) a review of the performance and durability of DAFCs. The review closes with a view of the authors of the future perspective for the research.

A NiFe2O4 catalyst with nanoparticle morphology, obtained by hydrothermal treatment using glucose and urea as precursors, is investigated as an anode catalyst in an anion exchange membrane electrolyser. Structure, morphology and composition are confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses. The catalyst is sprayed onto one side of the Fumasep® FAA3-50 anion-exchange membrane to produce a catalyst-coated membrane (CCM), which, assembled with a cathode based on a 40% Pt/C catalyst, is investigated in a single-cell configuration with a size of 5 cm2, at a temperature of 30–60 °C. A current density of 2.7 A cm−2 is obtained at 2.2 V and 60 °C, a value more than 25% higher than that recorded with a benchmark IrO2 catalyst at the anode, representing a breakthrough for an anion exchange membrane electrolyser based on FAA3-50 membrane. A time-stability test of 72 h demonstrates the promising durability of this catalyst, which makes it a new reference for future investigations.