Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Simple Methods for the Preparation of Non-noble Metal Bulk-electrodes for Electrocatalytic Applications
Published on: June 21, 2017
High-performance hydrogen fuel cell using nitrate reduction reaction on a non-precious catalyst
Sang-Beom Han1, You-Jung Song, Young-Woo Lee
1Chemical and Enviromental Engineering, Soongsil University, 511 Sangdo-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 156-743, Republic of Korea.
This study demonstrates a highly efficient hydrogen-nitrate (H(2)-NO(3)(-)) electrochemical cell. It utilizes a non-precious cathode catalyst for nitrate reduction, significantly reducing platinum use compared to traditional fuel cells.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Catalysis
- Renewable Energy
Background:
- Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) commonly rely on precious metal catalysts for oxygen reduction.
- Developing efficient non-precious catalysts is crucial for cost-effective fuel cell technology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficiency of a novel H(2)-NO(3)(-) electrochemical cell.
- To assess the performance of a non-precious cathode catalyst for nitrate reduction.
- To compare its efficiency against traditional PEMFCs.
Main Methods:
- Electrochemical cell testing of H(2)-NO(3)(-) system.
- Utilizing a non-precious cathode catalyst for nitrate reduction.
- Comparative analysis with PEMFCs employing precious catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
Main Results:
- The H(2)-NO(3)(-) cell exhibited significantly improved efficiency.
- A substantial reduction (approximately 75%) in platinum metal loading was achieved.
- Performance was superior to typical PEMFCs using precious catalysts.
Conclusions:
- Non-precious cathode catalysts are viable for efficient nitrate reduction in electrochemical cells.
- This approach offers a promising, cost-effective alternative to precious metal catalysts in fuel cells.
- Reduced platinum usage in the H(2)-NO(3)(-) cell presents a sustainable energy conversion pathway.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Batteries and Fuel Cells
Reduction of Alkenes: Asymmetric Catalytic Hydrogenation
The metal catalyst used can be either heterogeneous or homogeneous. When hydrogenation of an alkene generates a chiral center, a pair of enantiomeric products is expected to form. However, an enantiomeric excess of one of the products can be facilitated using an enantioselective reaction or an...
Catalysis
Catalysis
Reduction of Alkenes: Catalytic Hydrogenation
Metals like palladium, platinum, and nickel are commonly used in their solid forms — fine powder on an inert surface. As these catalysts remain insoluble in the reaction mixture, they are referred to as heterogeneous catalysts.
The hydrogenation process takes place on the surface of...
Reduction of Alkynes to cis-Alkenes: Catalytic Hydrogenation
Like alkenes, alkynes can be reduced to alkanes in the presence of transition metal catalysts such as Pt, Pd, or Ni. The reaction involves two sequential syn additions of hydrogen via a cis-alkene intermediate.

