Executive Summary : | Hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) is a slow reaction in alkaline electrolytes, primarily catalyzed by platinum group metal (PGM) catalysts. However, there is a significant research gap in the alkaline HOR activity of PGM-based and PGM-free Ni-based catalysts due to the inherent stability of Ni and its deactivation above 0.3 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode. Few groups worldwide are working on completely PGM-free AEMFCs utilizing Ni-based anode and PGM-free cathode. In this start-up research grant (sRG), the author plans to develop CeOx-decorated NixFe1-x alloy as PGM-free catalysts for HOR in alkaline electrolytes as a promising anode for AEMFCs. The catalysts will be optimized to achieve the highest HOR intrinsic activity and subjected to various analytical characterizations for structure-property correlation. Electrochemical measurements will be performed in a three-electrode rotating disk electrode set-up for intrinsic HOR, and corrosion measurements will be performed to prove the catalyst's robustness for corrosion. The project aims to replace currently used PGM catalysts and reduce the overall cell cost of AEMFCs. The fundamental investigation during the process will lead to a wealth of scientific information to design better materials for a sustainable future in energy. The success of this project will change our perception of future electric mobility and energy. |