Atomically Dispersed Zn‐Pyrrolic‐N₄ Cathode Catalysts for Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Abstract

To achieve practical application of fuel cell, it is vital to develop highly efficient and durable Pt‐free catalysts. Herein, we prepare atomically dispersed ZnNC catalysts with Zn‐Pyrrolic‐N4 moieties and abundant mesoporous structure. The ZnNC‐based anion‐exchange membrane fuel cell (AEMFC) presents an ultrahigh peak power density of 1.63 and 0.83 W cm−2 in H2‐O2 and H2‐air (CO2‐free), and also exhibits long‐term stability with more than 120 and 100 h for H2‐air (CO2‐free) and H2‐O2, respectively. Density functional calculations further unveil that the Zn‐Pyrrolic‐N4 structure is the origin of high activity of as‐synthesized ZnNC catalyst, while the Zn‐Pyridinic‐N4 moiety is inactive for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which successfully explain the puzzle why most Zn‐metal‐organic framework ‐derived ZnNC catalysts in previous reports did not present good ORR activity because of their Zn‐Pyridinic‐N4 moieties. This work offers a new route for speeding up development of AEMFCs.

Advancements in computational approaches for rapid metal site discovery in carbon-based materials for electrocatalysis

“…Zn@Pc–N 4 was recognized as the best catalyst with a small overpotential of 0.15 V, which was supported by experiments. 148 In NRR, multi-step screening strategies have been used to search for the optimized catalysts. 139,149,150 Ling et al screened 540 SACs in nitrogen-doped graphene by varying metal coordinated atoms and single metal species.…”

Research progress on direct borohydride fuel cells

“…Currently, hydrogen cells (HCs) are one of the most promising fuel cells, which possess the advantages of low working temperature, environment-friendliness, no corrosion problems, and long service life. 28–32 However, the practical application of HCs is highly restricted because of the immature storage and transportation technology for hydrogen, the existence of safety hazards, and the high production cost of hydrogen. 33 To solve the above problems, various liquid renewable fuels are used as alternatives to H 2 in the development and research of fuel cells.…”