[1Fp01-09] Surface Science(SS2) Chemical Property

[1Fp01] Function of pyridinic nitrogen in nitrogen-doped carbon electrocatalysts

*Kenji Hayashida¹, Rei Shimizu¹, Junji Nakamura², Kotaro Takeyasu³ (1. Graduate School of Science and Technology, University of Tsukuba, 2. International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research,Kyusyu University, 3. Faculty of Pure and Appled Sciences, University of Tsukuba)

Fuel cells are attracting attention as a new device for a low-carbon society. In a fuel cell, platinum is used as a catalyst in cathode to promote oxygen reduction reaction. On the other hand, platinum needs to be replaced because of its high cost and limited reserves. Nitrogen-doped carbon is focused on an alternative catalyst for platinum. However, the catalytic activity is low in acidic media in cell assembly. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the function of pyridinic nitrogen which is active site using a model molecular catalyst with a uniform active site. As a result, it was found that active site behaves like a radical so that it is easy to take place the adsorption of oxygen molecules. In addition, it was clarified that hydration of pyridinium (protonated pyridinic nitrogen) is stabilized in acidic media so that the catalytic activity decrease in acidic media.