Catalysis of Hydrocarbon Oxidation with Adsorbed Layers.

Abstract

Further investigations of the effect of Ni(2+) added to H3PO4 electrolytes on the oxidation of C3H8 at Pt electrodes were carried out. Studies were made both with half-cells and complete cells. Measurements on C3H8-O2 fuel cells at 130C were initiated. Generally 9 mg/sq cm Pt electrodes in 85% H3PO4 were used although some minor work in 80% H3PO4 and with 25 mg/sq cm Pt electrodes was also carried out. The results in 85% H3PO4 with 9 mg/sq cm Pt electrodes show no initial effect on cell performance due to the presence of either 20 mM or 200 mM Ni(2+). The self-poisoning characteristics of the anode, however, appear to be improved by the presence of Ni(2+). With 20 mM Ni(2+) in 85% H3PO4 and 25 mg/sq cm Pt electrodes, there is an initial improvement in cell performance of 35% at 0.44 V, 67% at 0.40 V, and 123% at 0.34 V. In 80% H3PO4, there is an initial enhanced cell performance with 20 mM Ni(2+) of 70% at 0.69 V, 52% at 0.59 V, and 10% at 0.49 V. The half-cell measurements with a reversible hydrogen electrode showed little effect due to the presence of Ni(2+). A catalytic effect of the nickel salt of an electrolysis product generated by the DHE is hypothesized to be the cause of the general observation of catalysis. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1971
Accession Number
AD0729975

Entities

People

  • H. Feng
  • M. J. Turner
  • S. B. Brummer

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Catalysis
  • Cells
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Electrodes
  • Electrolysis
  • Electrolytes
  • Fuel Cells
  • Hydrocarbons
  • Hydrogen
  • Hydrogen Electrodes
  • Measurement
  • Observation
  • Oxidation
  • Poisoning

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Electrochemical Engineering/ Fuel Cell Technologies
  • Nanoscale Plasmonic Nanotechnology

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology