Developing FeCo-NC Alloy For Optimizing Electrocatalytic Activity In Water Splitting And Oxygen Reduction
Category
Sciences and Technology
Department
Material Science
Student Status
Graduate
Research Advisor
Dr. Ram K. Gupta
Document Type
Event
Location
Sunflower
Start Date
10-4-2025 9:30 AM
End Date
10-4-2025 9:50 AM
Description
With the increasing demand for sustainable energy, developing efficient electrocatalysts for key reactions like the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is crucial. This study explores the design of a FeCo-NC/CNT alloy catalyst with tunable Fe/Co ratios to enhance catalytic performance. The catalyst was synthesized using hydrothermal and pyrolysis methods, forming a well-structured alloy supported by nitrogen-doped carbon. Characterization confirmed the successful integration of Fe and Co into the NC/CNT framework, improving conductivity and increasing active sites for reactions. Electrochemical tests showed that the Fe0.9Co0.1-CNT catalyst exhibited the best performance, with an OER overpotential of 247 mV, an HER overpotential of 71 mV at 10 mA/cm2 , and an ORR half-wave potential (E1/2) of 0.87 V vs. RHE. Its OER activity is comparable to iridium oxide, a standard noble metal catalyst, highlighting its potential as a cost-effective and efficient alternative. The synergy between Fe and Co in the NC/CNT matrix enhances reaction kinetics and electron transfer, making this catalyst a strong candidate for fuel cells, metal-air batteries, and water-splitting applications. This research emphasizes the importance of optimizing metal composition and catalyst structure to develop high-performance, affordable electrocatalysts, contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy technologies.
Developing FeCo-NC Alloy For Optimizing Electrocatalytic Activity In Water Splitting And Oxygen Reduction
Sunflower
With the increasing demand for sustainable energy, developing efficient electrocatalysts for key reactions like the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is crucial. This study explores the design of a FeCo-NC/CNT alloy catalyst with tunable Fe/Co ratios to enhance catalytic performance. The catalyst was synthesized using hydrothermal and pyrolysis methods, forming a well-structured alloy supported by nitrogen-doped carbon. Characterization confirmed the successful integration of Fe and Co into the NC/CNT framework, improving conductivity and increasing active sites for reactions. Electrochemical tests showed that the Fe0.9Co0.1-CNT catalyst exhibited the best performance, with an OER overpotential of 247 mV, an HER overpotential of 71 mV at 10 mA/cm2 , and an ORR half-wave potential (E1/2) of 0.87 V vs. RHE. Its OER activity is comparable to iridium oxide, a standard noble metal catalyst, highlighting its potential as a cost-effective and efficient alternative. The synergy between Fe and Co in the NC/CNT matrix enhances reaction kinetics and electron transfer, making this catalyst a strong candidate for fuel cells, metal-air batteries, and water-splitting applications. This research emphasizes the importance of optimizing metal composition and catalyst structure to develop high-performance, affordable electrocatalysts, contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy technologies.
