MnO2 nanowires/CNTs composites as efficient non-precious metal catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction

Abstract The non-precious metal catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is highly demanding due to the increasing global energy challenge. A 3-D network composed of MnO 2 nanowires and carbon nanotube (CNT) was synthesized via crystal growth of MnO 2 under hydrothermal and annealing process. The composite was characterized by PXRD, SEM and TEM. Due to its unique structure, the MnO 2 /CNT composite exhibits superior electrocatalytic performance towards ORR in alkaline medium compared to the commercial Pt/C in terms of the current density, methanol tolerance and long-term durability. These prominent electrochemical performances along with low cost and high abundance of the synthesized MnO 2 /CNT make it a promising cathode material in fuel cells.