Cornell researchers have captured an unprecedented, real-time view of how a promising catalyst material transforms during operation, providing new insights that could lead to replacement of expensive precious metals in clean-energy technologies.
Fuel cells efficiently convert hydrogen and oxygen directly into electricity, with catalysts playing a crucial role in accelerating the process. Platinum has long been the preferred catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction due to its efficiency and durability, but its high cost limits widespread adoption.
Seeking a more affordable alternative, a research team co-led by materials scientist Andrej Singer, and chemist Héctor Abruña studied a cobalt-manganese oxide catalyst. In a study published Feb. 7 in Nature Catalysis, they…