Zn–Assisted Synthesis of M (Mn/Fe/Co/Ni)-N-C Catalysts for Multifunctional Electrochemical Activity

Author

• Kemila A. Chaudhary, Pittsburg State UniversityFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-16-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Materials Science and Engineering (MMatSE)

Department

Physics

First Advisor

Dr. Ram K. Gupta, [email protected]

Second Advisor

Dr. Tim Dawsey, [email protected]

Third Advisor

Dr. Serif Uran, [email protected]

Keywords

Hydrogen energy, Single atom catalyst, Renewable energy, Dispersion, Surface area, Stability

Abstract

The design and development of atomically dispersed M-N-C catalysts (metal (M) supported on an nitrogen-carbon (NC) matrix with high multifunctional electrocatalytic performance is desirable but proved to be very challenging. Herein, we synthesized M-N-C catalysts (M = Fe, Co, Mn, and Ni) using Zn-assisted high temperature treatment and characterized using various techniques. The prepared catalysts were tested for their electrocatalytic performance towards oxygen and hydrogen evolution reaction (OER and HER) as well as oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline media. The results indicated that Mn-N-C catalyst showed higher performance towards both the ORR (E_1/2 = 0.90 V) and OER (η₁₀ = 279 mV/cm²) as compared to other prepared catalysts. In contrast, Fe-N-C displayed excellent HER activity (η₁₀ = 169 mV/cm²) as compared to others. Whereas, in the case of HER of Fe-N-C catalyst, the results indicated optimum binding energy to remove O₂ and H₂ from the active site. This work provides a new approach to tuning the electronic and electrochemical features of the M-N-C catalyst, suggesting significant implications for catalyst design in energy conversion devices.

Recommended Citation

Chaudhary, Kemila A., "Zn–Assisted Synthesis of M (Mn/Fe/Co/Ni)-N-C Catalysts for Multifunctional Electrochemical Activity" (2025). Electronic Theses & Dissertations. 829.
https://digitalcommons.pittstate.edu/etd/829