Abstract
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The development of oxygen reduction catalysts for application in H2/O2 fuel cells
has attracted considerable recent interest [1]. This interest can be attributed to a
growing recognition that such cells offer a potential alternative, nonpolluting
power source, especially in transportation applications, where their high-power
densities allow them to compete with the internal combustion engine. H2/O2 fuel
cells are currently used in buses and various other public transportation vehicles in
several cities around the world [2]. Efforts are being made to extend their utility to
automobiles. Finding efficient and, more importantly, economical dioxygen
reduction catalysts is a significant part of this effort. Much work has focused on
the development of new, inexpensive, non-noble metal electrocatalysts.