| abstract |
Disclosed is a catalyst having excellent durability and high oxygen reducing ability, which is not corroded in acidic electrolytes or at high potentials. Specifically disclosed is a catalyst characterized by being composed of niobium oxycarbonitride. Also specifically disclosed is a catalyst characterized by being composed of niobium oxycarbonitride represented by the following composition formula: NbCxNyOz (wherein x, y and z represent atomic number ratios satisfying 0.01 ≤ x ≤ 2, 0.01 ≤ y ≤ 2, 0.01 ≤ z ≤ 3 and x + y + z ≤ 5). |