Molecular Engineering of Pt-Based Electrocatalysts for Hydrocarbon Fuel Cell Electrodes.
Abstract
This report describes continued studies of the factors controlling the activity of Pt black catalysts for the anodic oxidation of hydrocarbons. Throughout this work particular attention has been given to the separation of structural (mass transport) influences on activity and the differences in the intrinsic activity of the catalyst (i.e. the activity per real square centimeter of the surface). This report describes the preparation of several blacks by alternative methods to see if they also show similar values for intrinsic activity. The methods used were the reduction of chloroplatinic acid with H2 under pressure, sodium borohydride and hydrazine and by fusion with NaNO3 to form PtO2. With the exception of the material from the borohydride reduction, these catalysts were of very low over-all activity. The intrinsic activity of borohydride reduced platinum black fell in the middle of the range observed for the formaldehyde reduced materials. Preliminary preparations of supported catalysts are also described. Further examination of the experimental method for the determination of the intrinsic activity was undertaken. Contrary to descriptions in the literature, we have found the oxidation of the surface intermediates of the propane reaction to be qualitatively different from that of 'reduced CO2.'
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0850885
Entities
People
- J. Giner
- J. M. Parry
- S.M. Smith