Yim, Kyung min 장주혁 Heo, Jinseo Kim, Donghwi Lee, Kug-Seung Lim, Hyung-Kyu Kim, Jinsoo Yoo, Song Jong 2024-01-19T11:34:27Z 2024-01-19T11:34:27Z 2022-05-12 2022-07 0926-3373 https://pubs.kist.re.kr/handle/201004/114933 Fe-N-C catalysts are promising alternatives to the platinum-group catalysts for use in oxygen reduction reactions of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. However, Fe-N-C catalysts suffer from poor durability, compared to non-precious metal catalysts, because of their accelerated demetallation by the Fenton reaction. In this study, we report the synthesis of a melamine-encapsulated Co-ZnO-C composite as a precursor and template for zeoliteimidazole-frameworks (ZIF-8). This approach allows formation of Co-N-C for constructing unique structures at meso-and macropore scales, while maintaining microporosity. Density functional theory analysis confirms the superior stability of the Co-N-C catalyst over other M-N-C catalysts (M = Fe, Ni, Cr, and Mn). Furthermore, it reveals that a closed interaction between the Co-N4 moiety and organic adducts enhances oxophilicity, which prefers a 4-electron ORR activity. The Co-NC catalyst with a developed pore structure shows remarkable durability (6.7% performance degradation for 100 h) and full cell performance in H-2/O-2 under 1 bar of back pressure (723 mW/cm(2) of maximum power density). Consequently, the unique structure of the synthesized catalyst successfully translates to the computationally-established ORR activity in the half-cell; superior durability is seen in the real device operation and stability analysis. This work is expected to support next-generation fuel cell development. English Elsevier BV Design of Co-NC as efficient electrocatalyst: The unique structure and active site for remarkable durability of proton exchange membrane fuel cells Article 10.1016/j.apcatb.2022.121220 1 Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, v.308 Applied Catalysis B: Environmental 308 N scie scopus 000788163800001 2-s2.0-85125264870 Chemistry, Physical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Chemistry Engineering Article OXYGEN REDUCTION REACTION HIGH-PERFORMANCE CATALYSTS IRON NANOFIBERS NITROGEN Fuel cells Spray pyrolysis Composite materials Oxygen reduction Cobalt active site