Inventor(s): Rathindra Bose, Anima Bose, Roberto Marin-Cordoba
Abstract
The novel electrocatalyst utilizes the entire surface of the catalyst, thereby eliminating technological problems associated with current catalysts used in fuel cell devices. Full surface coverage inhibits hydroxide and oxide coverage, reduces the binding affinity of carbon monoxide, and minimizes hydrogen cross over issues. Catalyst efficiency is improved by the incorporation of bound phosphate to platinum thereby minimizing the inactive hydroxide and oxide layers. The result is oxygen reduction in cathode electrodes and methanol oxidation reduction in anode electrodes in fuel cell applications.
Potential commercial use and users:
Fuel cell industry
Advantages:
This material provides a significant improvement in power density over electrocatalysts currently employed in the fuel cell industry by using a tunable platinum phosphate surface that is entirely oxygen reductive. Fuel cell longevity is improved by the reduction of carbon monoxide presence. The electrocatalyst effectively oxidizes methanol and hence can be used as an anode-catalyst as well. When oxygen supply is limited, this electrocatalyst generates additional oxygen from water, and alleviates mass transfer issues and manages water flooding problems. Only sub-milligrams of platinum per square centimeter are required for this material and therefore the electrocatalyst is more cost effective than current materials.
Related Publications:
Bose, A. B.; Mohosin, S.; Bose, R. N., Electrocatalytic reduction of platinum phosphate blue on carbon surfaces: A novel method for preparing fuel cell electrodes. Journal of Power Sources 2006, 157, 188-192.
Status: Patents Pending
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