Oxygenophilic ionic liquids promote the oxygen reduction reaction in Pt-free carbon electrocatalysts†
Abstract
We propose a novel idea to improve the surface properties of carbon-based Pt-free electrocatalysts in Polymer Electrolyte Membranes (PEMs) and Alkaline Fuel Cells (AFCs). Our concept is based on the addition of oxygenophilic and hydrophobic ionic liquids (ILs) to form a thin passivating layer at the triple point between the electrocatalyst–electrolyte–gas interface where the Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) takes place.
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