Direct synthesis of a carbonaceous fuel cell catalyst from solid containing small organic molecules and metal salts

In contrast to conventional solid materials used as precursors for carbon materials, which are typically organic polymers and macromolecules, a solid of relatively small organic molecules mixed with metal salts was directly used to form a functional carbon material. Heat treatment of a mixture of 1,4-diamino-2,3-dicyano-9,10-anthraquinone, Fe gluconate, and Mg acetate produced a highly porous carbon material functioning as a noble-metal-free fuel cell cathode catalyst with Fe coordinated by N atoms embedded in the pore surface as the active sites. Its function was confirmed by electricity generation in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell formed using it in the cathode. The high durability of the fuel cell was demonstrated by its continuous operation. This study showed the possibility of forming a wide variety of finely designed functional carbon materials by the proper selection of small organic molecules and metals.