Non-precious catalysts based on porous media for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) Laraib Nisar 1 , Adrien Chauvet 1 , Mohammed Ismail 2 , Mohamed Pourkashanian 3 1 Department of Chemistry, The University of Sheffield, 2 Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Sheffield, 3 Energy Institute, The University of Sheffield Fuel cell is one of the most promising technologies to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy sources. In the last two decades, this field has seen significant advancement but there are still many challenges. Currently, one of the main issues is the use of expensive platinum metal-based catalysts. In this work, we explore alternatives materials such as porous carbon foam which are cheaper and environmentally friendlier. These doped and undoped carbon foams are synthesised by pyrolysis of aerogels. The aerogels are prepared by polymerization of phytic acid and aniline. The carbon foams’ composition is studied by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The morphology is investigated utilizing scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The surface area and porosity are studied by Bruner Emmett Teller analyses. The material’s electronic properties are investigated by pump probe ultrafast spectroscopy. The analyses confirmed successful doping of nitrogen and phosphorous with promising electrochemical properties and potential applications in oxygen reduction reactions.
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