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Categories: advanced materials, energy

BSA 10-19: Hollow Nanoparticles as Active and Durable Catalysts

BNL Reference Number: BSA 10-19

Patent Status: PCT filed on July 13, 2011

Summary

Performance characteristics of the hollow nanoparticle catalysts for the oxygen-reduction reaction.

Platinum is an excellent catalyst for many reactions. However, it is also very expensive. The catalytic activity per gram of platinum can be increased by using a hollow nanoparticle consisting of an atomically thin shell of the metal surrounding a hollow core. When used as an electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction, this structure exhibits much higher platinum mass catalytic activity than solid nanoparticle electrocatalysts. These structures can be used in fuel cells and other electrocatalytic or heterogeneous catalytic applications.

Description

Nickel nanoparticles are formed either by pulse deposition or bulk chemical processes, and then they are coated with a uniform thickness of Pt. The Ni is then dissolved, leaving a hollow sphere of Pt. This Pt layer undergoes 1–2% compression, forming a tight, single-piece layer surrounding a void. Typical spheres are 3–8 nm in diameter with Pt layer thicknesses of 2–3 nm. Similar processes lead to palladium, gold, and/or palladium-gold shells. The latter exhibit excellent catalytic activity, while the Pt shells are extremely durable and show higher activities than other forms of Pt catalysts.

Have Questions?

For more information about this technology, contact Kimberley Elcess, (631) 344-4151.