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Ni 3 N as an Active Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction Catalyst in Alkaline Medium
Author(s) -
Ni Weiyan,
Krammer Anna,
Hsu ChiaShuo,
Chen Hao Ming,
Schüler Andreas,
Hu Xile
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
angewandte chemie international edition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.831
H-Index - 550
eISSN - 1521-3773
pISSN - 1433-7851
DOI - 10.1002/anie.201902751
Subject(s) - catalysis , proton exchange membrane fuel cell , hydroxide , chemistry , hydrogen , membrane , alkaline fuel cell , inorganic chemistry , chemical engineering , platinum , fuel cells , hydrogen fuel , ion exchange , organic chemistry , ion , biochemistry , engineering
Hydroxide‐exchange membrane fuel cells can potentially utilize platinum‐group‐metal (PGM)‐free electrocatalysts, offering cost and scalability advantages over more developed proton‐exchange membrane fuel cells. However, there is a lack of non‐precious electrocatalysts that are active and stable for the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) relevant to hydroxide‐exchange membrane fuel cells. Here we report the discovery and development of Ni 3 N as an active and robust HOR catalyst in alkaline medium. A supported version of the catalyst, Ni 3 N/C, exhibits by far the highest mass activity and break‐down potential for a PGM‐free catalyst. The catalyst also exhibits Pt‐like activity for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline medium. Spectroscopy data reveal a downshift of the Ni d band going from Ni to Ni 3 N and interfacial charge transfer from Ni 3 N to the carbon support. These properties weaken the binding energy of hydrogen and oxygen species, resulting in remarkable HOR activity and stability.