Compositions of nanometal particles containing a metal or alloy and platinum particles for use in fuel cells

Abstract

A composition of nanoparticles of metal or an alloy or having a metal and alloy core with an oxide shell in admixture with platinum particles is useful as a component for electrodes. More particularly, such composition is useful as an electrode ink for the reduction of oxygen as well as the oxidation of hydrocarbon or hydrogen fuel in a direct oxidation fuel cell, such as, but not limited to, the direct methanol fuel cell. These electrodes encompass a catalyst ink containing platinum, the nanoparticles, and a conducting ionomer which may be directly applied to a conductive support, such as woven carbon paper or cloth. This electrode may be directly adhered onto an ion exchange membrane. The nanoparticles comprise nanometer-sized transition metals such as cobalt, iron, nickel, ruthenium, chromium, palladium, silver, gold, and copper. In this invention, these catalytic powders substantially replace platinum as a catalyst in fuel cell electrooxidation and electroreduction reactions.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to compositions comprising nanoparticles of a metal and / or alloy or nanoparticles comprising a metal or alloy core surrounded by an oxide shell in admixture with platinum particles. More particularly, the composition is useful for inks used to make anode and cathode electrodes, which may be used in fuel cells. BACKGROUND ART [0002] Platinum is highly catalytic for hydrocarbon or hydrogen oxidation and oxygen reduction in gas diffusion electrodes for a variety of fuel cells. However, this noble metal is a rapidly depleting non-renewable resource and is consequently expensive. Current price for bulk platinum black is $75.00 / gram. The associated cost of a platinum deposited electrode, typically loaded anywhere from 2-8 mg / cm2, is widely considered to be a hurdle to widespread commercialization. With the gaining demand for alternative energy sources by consumers, efficient catalysts, especially at practical operating temperature (room...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] Preferably, nanoparticles have a diameter less than 50 nm, and preferably under 30 nm. Ideally,

Problems solved by technology

However, this noble metal is a rapidly depleting non-renewable resource and is consequently expensive.

The associated cost of a platinum deposited electrode, typically loaded anywhere from 2-8 mg / cm2, is widely considered to be a hurdle to widespread commercialization.

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