Iron atoms coordinated to Nitrogen within Carbon (Fex-N-C) electrocatalysts for Fuel Cells and Electrolysers

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Project Aim: Develop sustainable alternatives to existing Platinum group electrocatalysts for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells/electrolysers, using abundant elements (C, N, Fe) to reduce oxygen and oxidise water.Project Objectives: Synthesise high concentrations of Fex-N-C electrocatalyst sites from various feedstocksReveal catalyst degradation using online electrochemical mass spectrometry, gas chromatography and Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopyUnderstand important electrochemical oxidation/reduction reactions by combining electrochemical methods with "In operando" studies such as Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure, Mass Spectroscopy and Mossbauer to reveal reaction mechanismsInstallation of optimum electrocatalysts in Fuel Cells followed by stability testing and determination of polarisation curves to compare performanceUnderstand mass transport and diffusion in real devices. X-ray computed tomography and modelling will be used to comprehend how the catalyst morphology, porosity and the triple point interface (between O2, electrolyte and electrocatalyst) affects performance