COBALT AND COBALT-BASED MACROCYCLE BLACKS AS OXYGEN-REDUCTION CATALYSTS IN ALKALINE FUEL-CELLS

The electrochemical reduction of oxygen on high surface area carbons catalyzed by cobalt and pyrolyzed macrocycles has been studied in alkaline fuel cells. Tests were also carried out with 'green black', i.e., pyrolyzed phyto-biomass. Galvanostatic polarization curves show that cobalt from cobalt acetate and fine cobalt metal power exhibit a high catalytic activity. The activity of pyrolyzed cobalt tetraphenylporphyrin (CoTPP) is due to the combined effects of the cobalt additive and the charred residue of the macrocycle. 'Green black', with chlorophyll as macrocycle black precursor, has a similar effect. The dissolution of cobalt from the electrode surface has been established. Life tests with these electrodes are reported.