Controllable preparation and synergistically improved catalytic performance of TiC/C hybrid nanofibers via electrospinning for the oxygen reduction reaction

Alkaline fuel cells are considered as promising energy conversion devices for future application, and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst is one of the critical factors in determining fuel cells' performance. However, the application of conventional Pt-based catalysts is limited by its high cost and insufficient reserve. Here we synthesized TiC/C nanofibers as ORR catalyst through electrospinning. The morphology, TiC content, and interface between TiC and carbon in TiC/C nanofibers could be adjusted by changing preparation conditions. The changes in material properties affect the catalytic performance due to the synergistic enhanced effect between TiC and carbon. The best TiC/C sample (TCNFs/C) exhibited the ORR performance with the onset potential, peak potential, peak current density, and charge transfer number of 0.941 V vs. RHE, 0.812 V vs. RHE, 0.742 mA cm −2 , and 3.29, respectively, as well as good catalytic durability and excellent methanol tolerance. The results demonstrate the great research value and application potential of TiC/C nanofibers as ORR catalysts.