University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed efficient and robust electrocatalyst materials for the anodic hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) in acid-mediated proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC).
Description
There has been a recent boom towards the development of effective HOR electrocatalysts for the conversion of clean hydrogen for energy generation. Researchers have designed earth-abundant, cost-effective, and highly active metal silicide alloy-based anode electrocatalyst compositions, with a specific focus on the alloy Ti5Si3 supplemented with ultra-low platinum group metal (PGM) elements. This engineered Pt alloyed Ti5Si3 electrocatalyst system has been validated by experimental findings of high electrocatalytic activity and chemical and structural stability. This system exhibits significantly improved catalytic activity, charge transfer resistance, and peak current density for the HOR compared to pure Ti5Si3, while exhibiting comparable response to commercial Pt/C electrocatalyst. Important to highlight is the promising durability and long-term stability of the Pt-containing Ti5Si3 electrocatalyst, which make it suitable for use in PEMFC and metal-air batteries.
Applications
• Energy generation
• Hydrogen oxidation reactions
Advantages
The innovative features of the invention include the theoretical identification and experimental synthesis of anode electrocatalyst compositions, excellent electrochemical activity and stability, and the use of ultra-low PGM content. Furthermore, the alloy composition of this new electrocatalyst system is more cost effective than expensive Pt, IrO2, and RuO2 electrocatalysts.
Invention Readiness
This invention currently in the prototype stage of development.
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/US20240222652A1Related Publication(s)
Patel, P. P., Datta, M. K., Velikokhatnyi, O. I., Kuruba, R., Damodaran, K., Jampani, P., Gattu, B., Shanthi, P. M., Damle, S. S., & Kumta, P. N. (2016). Noble metal-free bifunctional oxygen evolution and oxygen reduction acidic media electro-catalysts. Scientific Reports, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/srep28367
