Evaluation of Pt/C catalyst degradation and H2O2 formation changes under simulated PEM fuel cell condition by a rotating ring-disk electrode

Catalyst durability in electrocatalytic H2O2 production: key factors and challenges

On-demand electrocatalytic hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production is a significant technological advancement that offers a promising alternative to the traditional anthraquinone process. This approach leverages electrocatalysts for the selective reduction of oxygen through a two-electron transfer mechanism (ORR-2e-), holding great promise for delivering a sustainable and economically efficient means of H2O2 production. However, the harsh operating conditions during the electrochemical H2O2 production lead to the degradation of both structural integrity and catalytic efficacy in these materials. Here, we systematically examine the design strategies and materials typically utilized in the electroproduction of H2O2 in acidic environments. We delve into the prevalent reactor conditions and scrutinize the factors contributing to catalyst deactivation. Additionally, we propose standardised benchmarking protocols aimed at evaluating catalyst stability under such rigorous conditions. To this end, we advocate for the adoption of three distinct accelerated stress tests to comprehensively assess catalyst performance and durability.

Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Highly Active Single-Atom Fe/N/C Catalysts for High-Performance Aqueous and Flexible All-Solid-State Zn-Air Batteries

The development of low-cost single-atom electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is highly desired but remains a grand challenge. Superior to the conventional techniques, a microwave-assisted strategy is reported for rapid production of high-quality Fe/N/C single-atom catalysts (SACs) with profoundly enhanced reaction rate and remarkably reduced energy consumption. The as-synthesized catalysts exhibit an excellent ORR performance with a positive half-wave potential up to 0.90 V, a high turnover frequency of 0.76 s-1 , as well as a satisfied stability with a lost half-wave potential of just 27 mV over 9000 cycles (much better than that of Pt/C with 107 mV lost) and good methanol resistance. The open-circuit voltages of as-constructed aqueous and flexible all-solid-state Zn-air batteries (ZABs) are 1.56 and 1.52 V, respectively, higher than those of 20% Pt/C-based ones (i.e., 1.43 and 1.38 V, respectively). Impressively, they afford a peak power density of 235 mW cm-2 , which exceeds that of Pt/C (i.e., 186 mW cm-2 ), and is comparable to the best ones of Fe/N/C-based ZABs ever reported.

Chemical state changes of Nafion in model polymer electrolyte fuel cell under oxygen/hydrogen gas atmosphere observed by S-K XANES spectroscopy

Changes in the chemical states of the sulfonic groups of Nafion in a model polymer electrolyte fuel cell under an oxygen/hydrogen gas atmosphere were studied using sulfur K-edge XANES spectroscopy. First, the chemical state changes in the sulfonic acid groups of both cathode and anode electrodes due to humidity under oxygen/hydrogen gas flow were observed. Reversible spectral changes ascribed to the hydration and dehydration of the sulfonic acid group were observed at both electrodes. This result is similar to the experimental results obtained without introducing oxygen (helium/hydrogen). On the anode, some of the sulfonic acid groups were decomposed to atomic sulfur adsorbed on platinum (Sad) and the amount increased with time. On the cathode, the formation of Sad was suppressed under the oxygen atmosphere. Next, the effects of oxygen gas introduction onto Sad were examined. Sad was at once formed on both electrodes under dry conditions without an oxygen supply. By supplying oxygen gas, Sad on the cathode disappears. Therefore, the catalyst of the cathode has the ability to recover against the poisoning Sad, while that on the anode accumulates.

In situ S-K XANES study of polymer electrolyte fuel cells: changes in the chemical states of sulfonic groups depending on humidity

Changes in the chemical states of sulfonic groups of Nafion in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) under gas-flowing conditions were studied using in situ S-K XANES spectroscopy.