Improved catalytic performance of nitrided Co-Ti and Fe-Ti catalysts for oxygen reduction as non-noble metal cathodes in acidic media

M-Ti/carbon black electrocatalysts (M: Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Mo) were prepared by the polymerized complex (PC) method and subsequent nitridation under ammonia flow, and were investigated as cathodes for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in 0.1 M H2SO4 aq. Among the metals investigated, Co and Fe gave high onset potentials of 0.86 and 0.87 V vs. RHE, respectively. In comparison with the Co-only catalyst, the Co-Ti catalyst showed higher current, reflecting high density of Co-related active sites. The presence of Ti was also essential for the electrode stability under severe acidic and oxidizing conditions. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.