Biopolymers Research
Open Access

Synthesis of MnO2 Carbon Nanotubes catalyst with enhanced Oxygen Reduction Reaction for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell

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Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC), an electrochemical power generating technology, uses a precious metal Platinum (Pt) catalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR), which is a major hindrance in its commercialization. Using a non-precious group metal (NPGM) instead of Pt will reduces the cost of PEMFCs. Herein MnO2 carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were synthesized by impregnating the transition metal in large surface carbonaceous material CNTs by hydrothermal synthesis techniques. To enhance the catalytic reaction and increase the volumetric current density, the sample was pyrolyzed at 800 0C temperature under nitrogen atmosphere. During pyrolysis, the nitrogen was also doped in the framework of carbonaceous materials. The materials were then treated with acid, removing the unreacted metals and adding oxygen functional group to the CNT framework due to which the activity of the catalyst is amplified. The catalysts have been characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Xray diffraction (XRD), Catalyst activity has been calculated by Rotating Disc Electrode (RDE) experiment.

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