MnNiCoO4/N-MWCNT nanocomposite catalyst with high selectivity in membraneless direct formate fuel cells and bifunctional activity for oxygen electrochemistry

Abstract

A nanocomposite electrocatalyst consisting of MnNiCoO₄ nanoparticles on nitrogen-doped multi-wall carbon nanotubes has been synthesized. In alkaline media, this catalyst exhibits high activity for oxygen reduction and evolution reactions, but no activity for formate oxidation. A membraneless alkaline direct formate fuel cell system is demonstrated based on this catalytic selectivity.