Readily scalable and efficient iron-based PEM fuel cell electrocatalysts from low cost metal organic framework precursors

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The proposed research aims to resolve an outstanding problem of the hydrogen fuel cell technology, which is the need for highly expensive platinum-based electrocatalysts for the typically slow oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Namely, the high cost of the electrocatalyst limits the general applicability of this technology, making the development of catalytic materials based on less expensive and more abundant metals one of the principal activities in fuel cell development. The proposed research will systematically, through a combination of new synthesis approaches, extensive characterization and theoretical modelling, develop a novel design for inexpensive carbonaceous iron-based ORR electrocatalysts whose performance is near to that of platinum-based alternatives. This novel design was recently discovered by the Supporting Organization Canetique Electrolysis, and involves the synthesis of the electrocatalyst by pyrolysis of a simple iron coordination complex supported on a microporous metal-organic framework (MOF). As MOFs are a recently developed family of microporous materials, there is only one commercially available material compatible with electrocatalyst synthesis, with a cost of $10,000/kg. Furthermore, this material is not amenable to modifications, preventing the further optimization and development of such iron-based ORR catalysts. The proposed research will exploit the rapid and solvent-free methods for the transformation of simple inorganic feedstocks into diverse porous MOFs, developed by the PI, and utilize them to systematically explore new electrocatalyst precursors involving diverse combinations of MOFs and iron-based additives. This will ultimately provide a strong understanding of how the structure of the electrocatalyst precursor determines the electrocatalyst performance. Importantly, we will develop new synthetic procedures capable of producing the desired electrocatalyst precursor in one step and up to a kilogram scale. The understanding and efficient large-scale synthesis of novel iron-based electrocatalysts resulting from the proposed research will provide a route to develop new, inexpensive and efficient fuel cell products.