Synthesis and characterization of precursor derived TiN@Si–Al–C–N ceramic nanocomposites for oxygen reduction reaction

Title data

Eranezhuth Wasan, Awin ; Günther, Timon E. ; Loukrakpam, Rameshwori ; Schafföner, Stefan ; Roth, Christina ; Motz, Günter:
Synthesis and characterization of precursor derived TiN@Si–Al–C–N ceramic nanocomposites for oxygen reduction reaction.
In: International Journal of Applied Ceramic Technology. Vol. 20 (2023) Issue 1 . - pp. 59-69.
ISSN 1744-7402
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ijac.14234

Official URL:

Abstract in another language

Abstract The development of efficient and durable catalysts is critical for the commercialization of fuel cells, as the catalysts’ durability and reactivity dictate their ultimate lifetime and activity. In this work, amorphous silicon-based ceramics (Si–C–N and Si–Al–C–N) and TiN@Si–Al–C–N nanocomposites were developed using a precursor derived ceramics approach. In TiN@Si–Al–C–N nanocomposites, TiN nanocrystals (with sizes in the range of 5–12 nm) were effectively anchored on an amorphous Si–Al–C–N support. The nanocomposites were found to be mesoporous in nature and exhibited a surface area as high as 132 m2/g. The average pore size of the nanocomposites was found to increase with an increase in the pyrolysis temperature, and a subsequent graphitization of free carbon was observed as revealed from the Raman spectra. The ceramics were investigated for electrocatalytic activity toward the oxygen reduction reaction using the rotating disk electrode method. The TiN@Si–Al–C–N nanocomposites showed an onset potential of 0.7 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode for oxygen reduction, which seems to indicate a 4-electron pathway at the pyrolysis temperature of 1000°C in contrast to a 2-electron pathway exhibited by the nanocomposites pyrolyzed at 750°C via the Koutecky–Levich plot.

Further data

Item Type:	Article in a journal
Refereed:	Yes
Keywords:	catalysts/catalysis; characterization; nanocomposites; polymer precursor; silicon carbonitride
Institutions of the University:	Faculties > Faculty of Engineering Science > Chair Ceramic Materials Faculties > Faculty of Engineering Science > Chair Ceramic Materials > Chair Ceramic Materials - Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stefan Schafföner Faculties > Faculty of Engineering Science > Chair Electrochemical Process Engineering Faculties > Faculty of Engineering Science > Chair Electrochemical Process Engineering > Chair Electrochemical Process Engineering - Univ.-Prof. Dr. Christina Roth Faculties Faculties > Faculty of Engineering Science
Result of work at the UBT:	Yes
DDC Subjects:	500 Science > 540 Chemistry 600 Technology, medicine, applied sciences > 620 Engineering
Date Deposited:	29 Nov 2022 08:26
Last Modified:	18 Jan 2023 14:35
URI:	https://eref.uni-bayreuth.de/id/eprint/72930