A novel non-noble electrocatalyst for PEM fuel cell based on molybdenum nitride

A novel non-noble electrocatalyst based on molybdenum nitride supported on carbon (Mo2N/C) prepared by temperature-programmed reaction (TPR) strategy was investigated as cathode electrocatalysts toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The catalyst structure was characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD). The electrochemical behaviours of the catalyst were investigated by linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and rotating disk electrode (RDE) measurements in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution. The reduction of oxygen in acid solution proceeds by an approximate four-electron pathway. The Mo2N/C catalyst showed a comparatively good cell performance to oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in PEMFCs and has proved to be a promising non-noble electrocatalysts for the alternative of platinum-based catalysts.