M-N-C (M = Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, Cu, Zn) Single-Atom Electrocatalysts for Electrolyzer and Fuel Cell, 1 g/bottle, CSAEFCMNC

Metal-Nitrogen-Carbon (M-N-C) electrocatalysts represent the leading class of Platinum Group Metal-free (PGM-free) materials. They are designed to replace expensive platinum in fuel cells and iridium/ruthenium in electrolyzers by using earth-abundant transition metals (M = Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, etc.) atomically dispersed within a nitrogen-doped carbon matrix.

The defining feature of these catalysts is the Single-Atom Catalyst (SAC) structure. Instead of metal nanoparticles, the metal is present as individual atoms coordinated by nitrogen atoms (typically in an M-N4 configuration) embedded in graphitic carbon. (1) Metal Center (M): Provides the active site for redox reactions. Iron (Fe) is the most active for fuel cells, while Nickel (Ni) and Cobalt (Co) are frequently used in alkaline electrolysis and CO2 reduction. (2) Nitrogen Coordination (N): Acts as the "anchor" that prevents metal atoms from aggregating into inactive particles. It also tunes the electronic properties of the metal center. (3) Carbon Support (C): Provides high electrical conductivity and a porous network (micro/mesopores) for efficient transport of gases (H2, O2) and water.

In Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC), M-N-C catalysts are the primary candidates for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR). (1) The "Platinum Substitute": Fe-N-C is the current performance leader. It can achieve a half-wave potential (E1/2) very close to commercial Pt/C (often within 30–60 mV). (2) Mechanism: Oxygen molecules (O2) adsorb onto the M-Nx site, where the electronic interaction facilitates the breaking of the O=O bond and the subsequent 4-electron reduction to water. (3) Durability Challenges: While active, these catalysts struggle with stability in acidic media. The main degradation pathways include demetallation (metal leaching), carbon corrosion, and attack by Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) like H2O2 produced during the reaction.

M-N-C materials are highly effective at the cathode or in Alkaline Exchange Membrane (AEM) systems. (1) Hydrogen Evolution (HER): Ni-N-C and Co-N-C are exceptionally active for producing hydrogen in alkaline environments. They often outperform platinum on a "per-dollar" basis in large-scale alkaline electrolyzers. (2) Oxygen Evolution (OER): In alkaline media, M-N-C materials can be pre-oxidized or layered with metal hydroxides to act as high-surface-area anodes for water splitting. (3) Selectivity (CO2 Electrolysis): M-N-C catalysts are "precision tools" for CO2 reduction. Ni-N-C, for instance, is world-renowned for its ability to convert CO2 to CO with nearly 100% selectivity, suppressing the unwanted hydrogen evolution.

Part Number	CSAEFCEMNC
Single Atom Catalyst Types	Fe-N-C Co-N-C Ni-N-C Mn-N-C Cu-N-C Zn-N-C
Atomic Metal Content	0.5-3.0 wt%
Average Particle Size	500-200 nm
Testing Case on Fe-N-C SAC
Testing Case on Co-N-C
Package Size	1.0 g/bottle

Notes: Please try to store the M-N-C powder in a dry place.

References: 

1. Q. Ruan, et al. Structural Degradation of M-N-C (M=Co, Ni and Fe) Single-Atom Electrocatalysts at Industrial-Grade Current Density for Long-Term Reduction, Angew Chem Int Ed., 2024, 63, e202409000.
2. Y. Duan, et al. Recent Advances in Fe-Free M–N–C Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction, ChemSusChem, 2025, 18, e202500430.