The change of reaction mechanism in pH of N-doped carbon catalyst

Abstract

N-doped carbon is one of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts as a platinum alternative catalyst for polymer electrolyte fuel cells. And we have shown that pyridinic nitrogen forms active points. However, the decrease in activity in acid is a problem for practical use. And the reaction inhibition mechanism has not yet been clarified. In this study, the behavior of pyridinic nitrogen in an acid-base electrolyte solution was evaluated by electrochemical measurement and surface chemistry.