A Pt-free graphenaceous composite as an electro-catalyst for efficient oxygen reduction reaction

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Energy Conversion

Background:

• Platinum-based catalysts are essential for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), but their high cost hinders widespread adoption.
• Developing cost-effective and high-performance alternatives is crucial for the commercial viability of PEMFC technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate a novel platinum-free electro-catalyst composed of magnesium oxide (MgO) decorated multi-layered reduced graphene oxide (MLGO) for ORR applications.
• To evaluate the ORR performance of the MgO/MLGO composite against platinum-based catalysts.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a MgO/MLGO composite material.
• Electrochemical characterization of the MgO/MLGO composite for ORR activity.
• Comparison of diffusion-controlled current density with in-house prepared Pt/rGO and commercial Pt/C catalysts.

Main Results:

• The MgO/MLGO composite exhibited superior ORR activity, achieving a diffusion-controlled current density of 6.63 mA per cm2-geo.
• This performance surpassed that of in-house prepared Pt/rGO (5.96 mA per cm2-geo) and commercial Pt/C (5.02 mA per cm2-geo) catalysts.
• The study demonstrates the potential of MgO/MLGO as a viable, less expensive alternative.

Conclusions:

• The developed MgO/MLGO composite is a promising, cost-effective electro-catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction.
• This finding offers a new avenue for exploring metal oxide-based materials as alternatives to platinum in fuel cell applications.
• The results pave the way for more affordable and efficient PEMFC technology.