Towards nitrogen-containing CNTs for fuel cell electrodes

In an adapted standard CVD-process nitrogen-containing carbon nanotubes were produced adding acetonitrile to the synthesis. The grown nanotube carpets were analysed via SEM, TEM, Raman spectroscopy, OES with ICP, CNS and XPS according their structural and morphological changes, as well as the N and Fe content. CV and RDE measurements were conducted to investigate the oxygen reduction reaction, showing activities depending on the preparation. The electrocatalytic activity was enhanced by an additional step of impregnating the nanotubes with iron-tetramethoxyphenylporphyrin chloride (FeTMPP-Cl) and heat treatment. By applying the CNT carpets to a modified drop-cast process using sulfonated PEEK as polyelectrolyte a new membrane–electrode assembly was established.