CARBON NANOFIBER CATALYSTS USING NANOFIBER INCLUDING LOW COST TRANSITION METAL FOR FUEL CELLS AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF

摘要

Provided is a transition metal-carbon nanofiber catalyst for a fuel cell using a nanofiber including only a low cost transition metal. More particularly, the transition metal-including carbon nanofiber catalyst is prepared by preparing a nanofiber from electrospinning of a solution containing a transition metal and a polymer precursor, followed by oxidative stabilization and carbonization. As a result, catalyst performance may be improved through effective modification of the functional groups on the nanofiber surface. The catalyst may be used as an electrode as it is since the size and thickness may be controlled effectively. Further, the catalyst may be subjected to fine grinding by ball milling, ultrasonic pulverization, etc. for use in other applications. The catalyst may be produced in large scale through relatively simple process of electrospinning and heat treatment processes without using expensive precious metal catalyst precursors such as platinum or reducing agents. In particular, with electrode activity and durability comparable to those of a platinum catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction in an alkaline medium, it is useful as an oxygen reduction catalyst for use in an alkaline fuel cell with improved cost competitiveness.