Abstract
Non Pt-based catalysts are highly desired for use in energy conversion and storage devices such as fuel cells and metal-air batteries towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). This thesis details the synthesis, characterization and electrocatalytic behaviour of polyaniline/carbon-supported Pd (Pd/PANI/C) nanocomposites, carbon-supported spinel ferrites (MFe2O4/C, M = Co, Ni and Mn), and partially doped MFe2O4/C nanoparticles (where Co and Fe are doped with Ni in terms of CoFe2O4/C and Fe is doped with Co with regards to NiFe2O4/C). A simple in-situ polymerization and composite formation (IPCF) method was employed in order to synthesize the Pd/PANI/C nanocomposites. The MFe2O4/C nanoparticles on the other hand were synthesized through a hydrothermal method at low temperature.
Ph.D. (Chemistry)