Advanced Electrocatalysts Based on Ternary Nitride Materials

Ternary metal nitrides based on combinations of early and late transition metals will be synthesised and investigated as catalysts, initially for the oxygen reduction reaction and extending to other important electrocatalytic processes. The activity of the materials will be determined using thin film rotating disc electrode measurements, followed by development of gas diffusion electrodes and subsequent durability testing for the most active materials. The key performance indicators will be based both on cost and sustained operation or number of cycles. This project is jointly funded by Diamond Light Source to allow examination of the materials operation mechanisms and the further development of an existing in situ cell technology, further adapting it to gas evolution reactions and those involving gaseous hydrogen.