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.
