The effect of phosphorus in nitrogen-containing carbon nanostructures on oxygen reduction in PEM fuel cells

Phosphorus added to the growth media of nitrogen-containing carbon nanostructures was found to dramatically improve the electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction. Phosphorus doping was achieved by growing carbon–nitrogen–phosphorus catalyst (CNxPy) over triphenylphospine- and iron acetate-impregnated magnesia support in N2 saturated with CH3CN, at 900 °C. Catalysts grown in phosphorus-containing media showed improved onset of activity, increased current density and higher selectivity for water formation. The incorporation of both phosphorus and nitrogen into graphite materials allows for the tailoring of the physical and electrochemical properties.