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Iron and Manganese Containing Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes as Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction ‐ Unravelling Influences on Activity and Stability
Author(s) -
Broicher Cornelia,
Zeng Feng,
Pfänder Norbert,
Frisch Marvin,
Bisswanger Timo,
Radnik Jörg,
Stockmann Jörg Manfred,
Palkovits Stefan,
Beine Anna Katharina,
Palkovits Regina
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
chemcatchem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.497
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1867-3899
pISSN - 1867-3880
DOI - 10.1002/cctc.202000944
Subject(s) - overpotential , carbon nanotube , oxygen evolution , materials science , chemical engineering , spinel , carbon fibers , nanoparticle , catalysis , electrochemistry , electrolysis of water , tafel equation , manganese , electrolysis , pyrolysis , inorganic chemistry , composite number , nanotechnology , chemistry , composite material , metallurgy , electrode , organic chemistry , engineering , electrolyte
Hydrogen economy is a central aspect of future energy supply, as hydrogen can be used as energy storage and fuel. In order to make water electrolysis efficient, the limiting oxygen evolution reaction (OER) needs to be optimized. Therefore, C‐based composite materials containing earth‐abundant Fe and Mn were synthesized, characterized and tested in the OER. For pyrolysis temperatures above 700 °C N‐rich multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) are obtained. Inside the tubes Fe 3 C particles are formed, Fe and Mn oxides are incorporated in the carbon matrix and metal spinel nanoparticles cover the outer surface. The best catalyst prepared at 800 °C achieves a low overpotential of 389 mV (at 10 mA/cm 2 ) and high stability (22.6 h). From electrochemical measurements and characterization it can be concluded that the high activity is mainly provided by MWCNT, Fe 3 C and the metal oxides in the conductive carbon matrix. The metal spinel nanoparticles in contrast protect the MWCNT from oxidation and thereby contribute to the high stability.