Electrocatalytic activity of tungsten oxide nanoclusters grafted on mesoporous nitrogen-rich carbon material in the dioxygen reduction reaction

Abstract

Nanosized clusters of tungsten oxide grafted onto a mesoporous nitrogen-rich carbon material (WOx/MNCx) have been synthesized and explored for their remarkable ability towards dioxygen reduction. The composite catalyst exhibits a lower overpotential and significant stability, which paves the way towards improvement of the nonprecious yet proficient electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) occurring at the cathode in alkaline medium. The electrocatalytic activity of the synthesized catalyst towards the ORR have been examined by electrochemical techniques, such as cyclic voltammetry, rotating disk electrode and rotating ring disk electrode measurements, along with electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance studies in alkaline medium. The WOx/MNCx catalyst shows better electrocatalytic activity towards the ORR in alkaline medium and could be used for successful application in lowtemperature fuel cells.