An active and robust Si-Fe/N/C catalyst derived from waste reed for oxygen reduction

Public research university in Québec specializing in applied research, including earth sciences and energy resources.

Devices that convert chemical energy from a fuel into electricity through an electrochemical reaction, producing minimal emissions.

A lower-cost alternative to platinum composed of nitrogen, iron, and carbon compounds. Less expensive than platinum but traditionally less stable until enhanced with silicon from reed waste.

A rare earth material used in hydrogen fuel cells to facilitate energy conversion. Platinum is expensive, difficult to procure and refine, and its extraction and refinement process produces waste that can poison water supplies.

Quebec

Research project investigating the use of waste reed biomass to create a cheaper, more stable catalyst for hydrogen fuel cells. The project focuses on developing iron-nitrogen-carbon catalysts enhanced with silicon from reed waste as a replacement for expensive platinum.