Design of Metal Free Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Abstract

According to National Geographic Society our natural resources like fossil fuels for electricity needs will get extinct in near future. Also burning of fossil fuels releases harmful gases like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, etc. Even today, burning of fossil fuel is in practice and causes a global concern due to global warming which is rising day by day with the most harmful effect on the nature and living species. So exploring the new alternative energy source with zero emission is very essential. There are many types of conversion devices, which can generate electricity; among all fuel cell (which converts chemical energy into electrical energy) is an attractive alternative over other power conversion options including solar cell, hydropower, wind mill etc. due to its unconditional mode of generation of electricity. However, the greater fundamental challenge arises due to higher activation overpotential of oxygen at cathode side, where the platinum catalyst (Pt/C) has routinely been employed to catalyse the sluggish kinetics of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). But several concerns about Pt/C catalyst arise such as astronomical price, scarcity, tolerance to intermediates formed, etc. that decline the development of fuel cell technologies significantly. Hence, investigation of an ORR electrocatalyst with affordable cost and high-performance is currently the thrust area of research newline