Why are M-N-C Catalysts Important?
The importance of M-N-C catalysts lies in their ability to provide a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to precious metal catalysts like platinum. They offer comparable or even superior catalytic activity and stability, particularly in energy conversion and storage applications. Additionally, their tunable structure allows for the optimization of catalytic properties by modifying the metal, nitrogen, and carbon components.
How are M-N-C Catalysts Synthesized?
The synthesis of M-N-C catalysts typically involves pyrolysis of metal, nitrogen, and carbon precursors at high temperatures. Common methods include the use of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs),
polymers, and various carbon sources. The process results in the formation of active sites where the metal atoms are coordinated with nitrogen atoms within the carbon matrix.
Fuel Cells: They are used in proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and alkaline fuel cells (AFCs) as efficient ORR catalysts.
Electrolyzers: Employed in water splitting for hydrogen production, specifically in HER and
oxygen evolution reaction (OER).
CO2 Reduction: Applied in the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide to useful chemicals and fuels.
Batteries: Utilized in metal-air batteries to enhance the performance of air cathodes.
Durability: Ensuring long-term stability under operational conditions is a significant challenge.
Active Site Identification: Identifying and characterizing the active sites at the atomic level remains complex.
Scalability: Developing scalable and reproducible synthetic methods is essential for commercial applications.
Advanced characterization techniques to better understand the structure-activity relationship.
Development of hybrid catalysts combining M-N-C with other materials to enhance performance.
Exploration of new metal and nitrogen sources for optimized catalytic properties.
Integration into industrial processes for sustainable and green chemistry applications.
