Bio-inspired highly active catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline electrolyte

A non-precious catalyst based on biological material was synthesised through pyrolysis of a carbon-supported VB12 compound under an ammonia atmosphere. The catalyst exhibited better ORR activity than commercial 20% Pt/C in alkaline media and displayed superior methanol tolerance. These results demonstrate that the developed catalyst has potential use as a non-precious catalyst for direct methanol alkaline fuel cells.169