Unravelling the role of hydrogen peroxide in pH-dependent ORR performance of Mn-N-C catalysts

Although the Mn-N-C catalyst has low toxicity and high durability, its intense pH-dependent ORR activity is perplexing and prevents its commercial use in PEMFCs. Herein, we have developed a novel understanding of the role of hydrogen peroxide in the pH-dependent activity and stability of Mn-N-C catalysts. Instead of nitrogen protonation, the strong pH effects of ORR activity are caused by the much faster kinetics of the H2O2 reduction reaction in alkaline medium than in acid, due to the lower dissociation energy of the HO-OH bond in alkaline environment. Regarding durability, the deactivation induced by H2O2 demonstrates a strong pH dependence, primarily due to the differing intensities of reactive oxygen species at different pH values. Correspondingly, isopropanol effectively reduces Fenton reagents and increases the acid resistance of Mn-N-C sites. The present research provides a mechanistic understanding of pH effects and paves the way for the creation of more efficient catalysts.