Researchers have developed a framework to understand zirconium nitride (ZrN)’s role in enhancing clean energy reactions, offering a cost-effective alternative to materials like platinum in fuel cells. This study, pivotal for clean energy technology, shows promise for other similar materials.
A group of researchers have unraveled the mysteries behind a recently identified material — zirconium nitride (ZrN) — that helps power clean energy reactions. Their proposed framework will help future designs for transition metal nitrides, paving a path for generating cleaner energy.
The study was published recently in the journal Chemical Science, where it was featured as the front cover article.
Technological Breakthrough
Anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFC) are devices that use hydrogen and oxygen to make clean electricity through chemical reactions, specifically the hydrogen oxidation reaction and the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). AEMFCs, with their ability to operate in alkaline conditions, provide a suitable environment for earth-based catalysts, offering a cheaper alternative to other efficient catalyst materials, such as platinum.
The identified hydroxyl-covered surface on ZrN under ORR conditions is akin to a “forest”, which leads to a high ORR activity. Credit: Hao Li et al.
Recent studies have shown that ZrN exhibits efficient performances – even outperforming platinum – when used for the ORR in alkaline media. ZrN, whilst not an earth-abundant material, is still more cost-effective than alternatives. But what lay behind its impressive performance has remained a mystery to scientists.
Methodology and Findings
“To implement our new theoretical framework for ZrN, we decided to employ surface state analysis, electric field effect simulations, and pH-dependent microkinetic modeling,” explains Hao Li, associate professor at Tohoku University’s Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR) and corresponding author of the paper.”
Surface analysis revealed that ZrN has a very thin layer of HO when it is undergoing ORR. This thin layer helps molecules stick to it in a way that is beneficial for the ORR. Moreover, the electric field effect simulations demonstrate that atomic oxygen sticking to this thin-covered surface undergo minimal changes, thereby sticking moderately.
After performing computer simulations, the researchers found that ZrN reaches the sweet spot of ORR in alkaline conditions.
Broader Implications
“Our tested theory works well not just for ZrN but also for other materials like Fe3N, TiN, and HfN, which are similar to ZrN, meaning our idea explains how these materials can be utilized for clean energy too,” adds Hao. “Our framework will help rationalize and design transition metal nitrides for alkaline ORR.”
Future Directions
In the future, Hao and his team plan to extend this framework to study other industrially significant reactions, such as the oxygen evolution reaction.
Reference: “Origin of the superior oxygen reduction activity of zirconium nitride in alkaline media” by Heng Liu, Di Zhang, Stuart M. Holmes, Carmine D’Agostino and Hao Li, 26 July 2023, Chemical Science.
DOI: 10.1039/D3SC01827J
Could use a little more information about the movement of electrons threw with layers at an easier unbound rate of exchange