Preparation and Characterization of Non-Precious Metal Fuel Cell Catalysts via Chemical Modification of Carbon Surfaces

Preparation of non-precious metal catalysts (NPMCs) via chemical surface modification of carbon black with 5,6-diamino-1,10-phenanthroline (aphen) was completed. A diazonium coupling reaction was used to covalently attach aphen to the carbon surface and ratios of aphen to carbon were varied. The impact of this loading on the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was investigated. Cyclic voltammograms (CVs) were obtained under nitrogen to assess the redox activity of the phenanthroline type groups on the surface. Peaks at approximately 611 mV versus standard hydrogen electrode appear for each material and become larger with increased loading of aphen. Introduction of iron followed by pyrolysis at 700 degC results in increased activity towards the ORR and decreased hydrogen peroxide production.