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General Information
Categories: advanced materials, energy
BSA 01-07: Carbon Monoxide Tolerant Fuel Cell Electrocatalyst
BNL Reference Number: BSA 01-07
Patent Status: U.S. Patent Number 6,670,301 was issued on December 30, 2003
Summary
Schematic illustration of platinum clusters on a ruthenium nanoparticle.
Platinum is an excellent catalyst for many reactions. However, it is also easily poisoned by carbon monoxide and very expensive. Tolerance to carbon monoxide can be increased by using a particle composite consisting of clusters or an atomically thin layer of the platinum on a ruthenium particle. When used as an electrocatalyst for the oxidation of fuel at a fuel cell anode, this structure exhibits low platinum loading and elevated tolerance to carbon monoxide when compared to commercially available platinum/carbon electrocatalysts. These structures can be used in fuel cells and other electrocatalytic or heterogeneous catalytic applications.
Description
This fuel cell anode includes an electrocatalyst that has a conductive support material, ruthenium nanoparticles, and a group VIII noble metal, such as platinum. The anode can also have a perfluorinated polymer membrane on its surface.
Benefits
These electrocatalysts have high tolerance to carbon monoxide and require low platinum loading, increasing lifetime and reducing costs over other catalysts in common use.
Applications and Industries
These electrocatalysts can be used in cost-efficient polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, as well as in other noble metal-catalyzed reactions.
Journal Publication
Have Questions?
For more information about this technology, contact Kimberley Elcess, (631) 344-4151.
