Oxygen Reduction Activity of Molybdenum Nitride for Cathode Catalyst of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

Aiming to suppress global warming, Japan has set a goal of reducing CO2 emissions zero by 2050. In order achieve this goal, production hydrogen from renewable energy water electrolysis and obtaining electrical fuel cells is regarded as an important system. Although polymer electrolyte cell (PEFC) systems already commercialized for home vehicles, their high cost due the use Pt electrode catalysts hindered widespread use. Therefore, in study, we synthesized molybdenum nitride investigated oxygen reduction activity with aim developing Pt-free cathode catalyst. First, was obtained calcining sulfide under NH3 flow. As result, Mo5O6 calcination at 750°C showed highest activity. Next, (NH4)6Mo7O24·4H2O which contains nitrogen calcined flow prepare nitride. Then, MoN 800°C higher than any Since Mo much cheaper Pt, nitrides made are considered be useful cells.