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Categories: advanced materials, energy
BSA 05-19: Gold Monolayers on Platinum Nanoparticle Cores
BNL Reference Number: BSA 05-19
Patent Status: U.S. Patent Number 7,704,919 was issued on April 27, 2010
Summary
High-resolution electron micrographs of gold clusters on platinum nanoparticles.
Platinum is the most efficient electrocatalyst for accelerating chemical reactions in fuel cells for electric vehicles. During stop-and-go driving, though, it dissolves. This destroys the catalytic activity of the expensive metal. By adding gold overlayers or gold clusters to the platinum catalyst, dissolution is retarded during charge-discharge cycling.
Description
An oxygen-reducing electrocatalyst consists of a noble metal-containing core with an atomically thin layer of gold at least partially surrounding the core. The gold may be alloyed with other elements, and the core may be homogeneous or heterogeneous. The gold layer may be in the form of gold islands.
Benefits
These gold coated nanoparticles are resistant to the oxidation and dissolution effects of fuel cells.
Applications and Industries
Fuel cell catalysts; oxygen reduction; heterogeneous catalysis.
Journal Publication
Have Questions?
For more information about this technology, contact Kimberley Elcess, (631) 344-4151.
