Mapping transition metal-MN4 macrocyclic complex catalysts performance for the critical reactivity descriptors

There has been a significant progress toward the development of highly active and stable platinum group metal-free (PGM-free) electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in polymer electrolyte fuel cells, promising a low-cost replacement for Pt group electrocatalysts. However, the success of such developments depends on the implementation of PGM-free electrocatalysts that are not only highly active but importantly, they also exhibit long-term durability under polymer electrolyte fuel cell operating conditions. This manuscript is an overview of the current status of a specific, most advanced class of PGM-free electrocatalysts: transition metal-nitrogen-carbon ORR catalysts. We present an overview for the understanding of catalysts' performance descriptors for metal-nitrogen-carbon materials.

Automated summary

This paper provides an overview of the progress in developing platinum group metal-free (PGM-free) electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction in polymer electrolyte fuel cells, focusing on the most advanced class of transition metal-nitrogen-carbon ORR catalysts with high activity and long-term durability.