A Pt-free graphenaceous composite as an electro-catalyst for efficient oxygen reduction reaction

Abstract

Use of Pt-based electro-catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a major hindrance in large-scale application of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Hence, new, cost-effective and high performance electro-catalysts are required for the commercial success of PEMFCs. In this work, a Pt-free magnesium oxide (MgO) decorated multi-layered reduced graphene oxide (MLGO) composite is tested as an electro-catalyst for the ORR. The ORR activity of MgO/MLGO in terms of diffusion-controlled current density is found to be superior (6.63 mA per cm²-geo) than that of in-house prepared Pt/rGO (5.96 mA per cm²-geo) and commercial Pt/C (5.02 mA per cm²-geo). The applicability of less expensive MgO/MLGO not only provides a new electro-catalyst but also provides a new direction in exploring metal oxide-based electro-catalysts for the ORR.