Iron imidazolate framework as precursor for electrocatalysts in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

The extensive use of Pt and platinum group metals (PGM) as electrocatalysts poses a significant cost barrier for the commercialization of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). Replacing Pt with non-PGM electrocatalysts is a long-term pursuit of the scientific community. In this study, non-PGM cathode electrocatalysts for PEMFC were prepared by pyrolyzing an iron imidazolate framework. The new catalyst demonstrated excellent activity towards oxygen reduction reaction in the acidic medium. The catalytic activity was further improved by mixing with a zinc imidazolate framework, ZIF-8. The membrane electrode assembly made of such catalyst as the cathode demonstrated an onset potential of 0.977 V and measured volumetric current density of 12 A cm−3 at 0.8 V in a single cell test.