Next Generation Catalyst Engineering via Support Modification
Abstract
The objective of this project is the development of next generation fuel cell catalyst systems purposely engineered using dopant-mediatedgrowth and stabilization. This dopant engineering approach reflects the fact that the activity and stability of a nanoparticulate catalyst supported on a high-surface area electrode material (such as a carbon nanotube support) can be enhanced by purposely doping, or chemically modifying, the support surface. In comparison to the conventional approach using a non-modified carbon support, the dopant-engineering approach employs heterovalently-doped carbon support materials decorated by catalyst nanoparticles. The dopant atoms are purposefully used to influence the size, density, distribution, and perhaps even the activity of the overlying catalyst nanoparticles. Compared to the current catalyst system, this dopant-engineered catalyst system could provide enormous improvements in catalyst utilization, activity, and durability. Dopant engineering may also provide an intriguing route to magnify the activity of non-platinum based catalyst nanoparticles, or even enable the creation of entirely new oxide-based catalysts. Our effort focuses on identifying dopant/catalyst combinations to enhance the performance of direct methanol fuel cells. We are specifically focused on the development and characterization of nitrogen-doped catalysts in membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) for single-cell acid and alkaline direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) testing. We have demonstrated significant improvements in performance from catalysts doped with nitrogen after deposition of PtRu. These results highlight the significant potential of this support engineering approach for producing catalysts with exceptional activity and durability.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 21, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1032361
Entities
People
- Ryan O'Hayre
Organizations
- Colorado School of Mines