Corrine- and corrole-based promising nonprecious metal electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs)
For fuel-cell applications with reasonable cost as a widespread alternative energy conversion technology, scientists must learn from nature to replace the precious platinum electrocatalyst in the cathode. The research team led by Li-Chyong Chen, Kuei-Hsien Chen and Ken-Tsung Wong at the Center for Condensed Matter Sciences and Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, has developed a series of promising nonprecious metal-N4 electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel-cell cathodes. Specifically, pyrolyzed vitamin B12 (Co-corrine), Co/Fe corrole and their bimetallic derivatives have been demonstrated to have promising ORR activity and stability. These research outcomes make nonprecious metal-N4 macrocyclic compound-based electrocatalysts viable candidates as Pt substitutes in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs).