The study of the pyrolysis products of Ni (II) and Pd (II) chelate complexes as catalysts for the oxygen electroreduction reaction

Nitrogen-doped carbon materials were prepared by the pyrolysis of carbon black Vulcan XC-72 impregnated with nitrogen-containing Pd (II) and Ni (II) complexes. The composition of materials was studied at different stages of their synthesis. It is shown that nanoparticles of metals and/or their oxides are not the main electroactive component of materials in the oxygen electroreduction reaction (ORR). It is established that the palladium complex provides a much more efficient doping of carbon with nitrogen compared to the nickel complex of a similar composition. This results in the high ORR electrocatalytic activity of the catalyst obtained, palladium complex being used in an alkaline medium. This material is a promising one to be used as an electrocatalyst in fuel cells with an anion-conducting membrane.

Automated summary

Nitrogen-doped carbon materials were prepared by impregnating carbon black Vulcan XC-72 with nitrogen-containing Pd (II) and Ni (II) complexes, showing high electrocatalytic activity in the oxygen reduction reaction. Efficient nitrogen doping, particularly with the Pd complex, is crucial for the excellent electrocatalytic performance of the material, making it a promising candidate for fuel cell applications.