Electrocatalysis

Processes in Microheterogeneous and Nanoscale Systems and Related Technological Applications

Group leader: Kaido Tammeveski, Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu

Research interests:

• development of new cathode materials for low-temperature fuel cells
• oxygen reduction on nitrogen-doped carbon nanomaterials and non-precious metal catalysts
• electrochemical reduction of oxygen on nanostructured metal electrodes
• electrocatalytic properties of metal nanoparticles attached to carbon nanotubes and graphene
• electrocatalytic properties of chemically modified electrodes towards oxygen reduction

 Fuel cells, which operate at lower temperature than 100 ºC, are considered as attractive energy conversion devices in several fields, including automotive applications. Fuel cell technology is environmentally friendly, because the only product of fuel cell processes is water. The study of electrocatalysis of the oxygen reduction reaction is related to the development of low-temperature fuel cells. The electrochemical reduction of oxygen occurs on the fuel cell cathode and platinum is the best electrocatalyst for this process. The high price of platinum and its limited supply are the main factors that hinder the wider commercialization of fuel cells. For this reason we have carried out research to replace costly platinum with cheaper alternative catalysts. The basic requirements for novel and less expensive catalysts materials are high electrocatalytic activity towards oxygen reduction and good durability in fuel cell conditions. We have paid a great deal of attention to the determination of kinetic parameters for oxygen reduction on these non-precious metal catalysts. In the frame of Centre of Excellence our research is mainly focused on oxygen reduction electrocatalysis on various catalyst materials in order to develop new cathode catalysts for fuel cells.

 In 2010-2015 four PhD thesis have been defended. We have published 50 papers in peer-reviewed Journals during this period.