A highly active, low-cost Co–Zn ferrite electrocatalyst in oxygen reduction reactions

Fuel cell technology offers a promising alternative to fossil fuel combustion, providing a clean, eco-friendly and a more efficient energy source. However, the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is the most sluggish reaction within fuel cells. A bimetallic iron ferrite material (BMIF) has been developed as a less costly alternative compared to Pt-based electrodes with high electrochemical activity. The particle size of BMIF ranges from 0.08 to 0.3 μm, and its spinel structure has been confirmed through FTIR and XRD analysis. TGA shows high thermal stability of catalyst. Spinel structure remained unchanged even after electrochemical analysis as confirmed by FTIR. With increasing electrolyte concentration, the cathodic peak current decreases in accordance with De-Bye Huckle Limiting law. Onset potential for BMIF is 0.0296 V vs. RHE, significantly lower than that of Pt, which is 0.783 V vs. RHE. Additionally, the mass activity of BMIF at −0.998 V is 253 mA mg−1, surpassing that of Pt/C (96.9 mA mg−1 Chronoamperometry result shows appreciable durability of BMIF as initially for only 1 min current density was declined and then no further decline was observed till 1000s. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.