Question

Do some research on a specific application of chemical atalysts that you find particularly interesting. Present a summary in your own words to the class (150 or more words), making sure your posting contains the following:

How did you learn about this application?

Why did you choose it?

What did you learn from your research?

Answer 1

Specific Application of chemical catalysts that I find particularly interesting is a "Heterogeneous Catalyst named Metal (Manganese) loaded Nitrogen doped Carbon based electro-catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) for Hydrogen Fuel cells"

How did you learn about this application?

Due to very extensive on-going research on hydrogen based fuel cells to meet current energy demand for portable and transport applications, there is high demand for lower cost, stable and active electr-catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which is one of the reactions of fuel cell. Pt/C is the conventional catalyst being used but its very expensive with less availability.

Why did you choose it?

I chose Mn as metal for loading as Mn has very high affinity for ORR as well as it is abundantly available and not very expensive. On the other hand compaed to conventional Platinum based electro-catalysts Mn loaded nitrogen doped carbon demonstrated lower overpotential and thereby high activity of ORR. The Mn is further loaded on Nitrogen doped carbon which acts as a support for diffusion as well as reaction.

What did you learn from your research?

From my obsrvation, I noticed that Nitrogen doped carbon not only enhances the active sites for ORR due to high electronic concentration but also improves the stability and durability in acidic and alkaline environments.