- Stage of development
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Its feasibility has been demonstrated in laboratory trials.
- Intellectual property
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Priority Patent Application
- Intended collaboration
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Licensing and/or co-development
- Contact
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Ángel IbáñezVice-presidency for Innovation and Transferangel.ibanez@csic.escomercializacion@csic.es
- Reference
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CSIC/AI/004
Additional information
#Chemistry
#Industrial Process
#Energy
#Energy Storage
#Batteries
#Composite
#Catalyst
Nitrogen-doped carbon electrocatalyst for fuel cells and batteries
Composite material made of carbon microspheres highly doped with quaternary nitrogen, designed as an electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction in fuel cells and metal–air batteries. It combines high electrochemical efficiency with sustainability by eliminating the use of noble metals.
- Market need
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The energy storage and conversion market demands materials that can enhance the efficiency of fuel cells and advanced batteries without relying on expensive and scarce metals such as platinum. The growing demand for sustainable technologies and the transition towards clean energy increase the need for efficient, durable, and cost-effective electrocatalysts. The limited availability and high cost of traditional catalysts hinder the large-scale adoption of advanced energy solutions. Manufacturers are seeking alternatives that deliver comparable or superior performance, long-term stability, and scalable industrial production.
- Proposed solution
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The material obtained consists of carbon microspheres doped with quaternary nitrogen, designed as electrocatalysts for fuel cell and metal–air battery cathodes.
Experimental tests confirm their high electrochemical performance, comparable to or exceeding platinum-based catalysts, with proven stability and reproducibility across multiple batches. The spherical morphology and high proportion of quaternary nitrogen are key to the efficiency of the oxygen reduction reaction. The manufacturing process is fast, scalable, and employs non-toxic precursors, enabling industrial production.
- Competitive advantages
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- High electrochemical performance, comparable to or exceeding platinum catalysts.
- Cost reduction by eliminating the need for scarce and expensive noble metals.
- Reproducible manufacturing, adaptable to industrial-scale production.
- Non-toxic materials and precursors, with a low environmental impact.