Highly active robust oxide solid solution electro-catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction for proton exchange membrane fuel cell and direct methanol fuel cell cathodes

Abstract The identification and development of novel non-noble metals based electro-catalyst exhibiting excellent electrochemical activity and stability than noble metal electro-catalyst is important for commercial development of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Such non-noble electro-catalyst with unique electronic structure and superior electrochemical performance will immensely contribute to lowering the capital cost of PEMFCs. Herein, we have identified solid solution electro-catalysts of WO 3 and IrO 2 for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in PEMFCs exploiting theoretical first principles approaches. The theoretical results were experimentally validated by generation of nanostructured (W 1-x Ir x )O y (x = 0.2, 0.3; y = 2.7–2.8) electro-catalysts for ORR. (W 0.7 Ir 0.3 )O y demonstrated ∼43% improved electrochemical activity than Pt/C with similar loading at 0.9 V ( vs RHE), respectively. Moreover, single full cell PEMFC study revealed an acceptable ∼81% improved maximum power density for (W 0.7 Ir 0.3 )O y than Pt/C combined with excellent long term stability. These results thus, show the potential of (W 0.7 Ir 0.3 )O y as ORR electro-catalyst for replacing of Pt/C in PEMFCs and direct methanol fuel cells on the additional grounds of superior methanol tolerance.