Open Frame Structures for Nonplatinum Catalysts: Colloidal Approach to Transition Metal/Nitrogen-Containing Carbon-Supported Electrocatalysts

Carbon supported non-platinum catalysts that facilitate the oxygen reduction reaction can be templated onto a mesoporous silica substrate to provide a great deal of control over the porosity of the catalytic material after the silica has been etched. This colloidal approach, in conjunction with dry impregnation of catalyst precursors, provides an avenue to engineer the surface morphology of the catalyst whereby optimal performance can be achieved.