This $299,289 Project Grant from the National Science Foundation's Mathematical and Physical Sciences program (CFDA 47.049) supports the development of novel non-precious metal catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction by researchers at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The collaborative team will synthesize metal complexes supported on carbon nanotube and graphene materials and evaluate them as catalysts for oxygen reduction in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Most commercially available hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells use expensive platinum catalysts, so the researchers aim to develop cost-effective replacements through metal complexes with tunable amide ligands in various coordination environments. The catalysts will be coated with inexpensive, bioinspired polymers to enhance stability and significantly improve oxygen reduction activity. Outreach activities are planned to promote green chemistry and sustainable energy concepts to local students and educators.
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