Graphene and carbon nanotube structures supported on mesoporous xerogel carbon as catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction in proton-exchange-membrane fuel cells

Non-precious metal catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in proton-exchange-membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) were obtained by pyrolysis of iron citrate and polyacrylonitrile on mesoporous xerogel carbon support. Chemical-physical characterizations, electrochemical studies by the rotating disc electrode, and electrochemical tests in a PEMFC configuration demonstrated that the porosity of the pristine carbon promotes the formation of graphene and carbon nanotube structures featuring ORR catalytic activity.