Nanocomposite Materials Designed for Chemical Catalysis
Abstract
The specific aim of this research project is the development of novel methods for preparing improved catalysts for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). These catalysts consist of metal alloy nanoclusters dispersed onto a conductive carbon support. Synthetic control of the alloy nanocluster composition is achieved by preparing molecular precursors in which the precursor contains two or more metals of a desired stoichiometry. Adsorption of single-source molecular precursors onto Vulcan carbon powder followed by appropriate thermal treatment affords metal alloy or intermetallic/carbon nanocomposites having thirteen different binary compositions and one ternary composition. Tests performed in an operating DMFC indicate that the catalytic activity of two PtRu/Vulcan carbon nanocomposites as anode catalysts is superior to that of a similar commercial PtRu/Vulcan carbon catalyst. A rapid synthesis of such binary alloy/Vulcan carbon nanocomposites using microwave heating has been discovered. Preliminary attempts to prepare passivated metal nanoclusters suitable for size selection are also discussed. The preparation of an unrelated cobalt/fullerene nanocomposite is included for completeness.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 29, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA364465
Entities
People
- Charles M. Lukehart
Organizations
- Vanderbilt University