University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed a highly active, low cost, robust and versatile non-noble metals based electro-catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells.
Description
A library of catalysts consisting of non-noble metal oxides and dopant components have been shown to exhibit electro-catalytic activity comparable with state-of-the-art precious noble metal electro-catalysts (Pt, IrO2).
Applications
1. Electro-catalyst for ORR in proton exchange membrane fuel cells.
2. ORR in direct methanol fuel cells.
3. Hydrogen generation from solar and electrolytic water splitting.
4. Metal air batteries.
Advantages
Current electro-catalysts for ORR in PEM fuel cells contain precious metals like platinum and iridium. These metals are rare and costly, and much research has focused on finding sustainable alternatives which are both affordable and highly efficient.
These electro-catalysts are non-noble metal based, overcoming the supply and cost issues associated with the use of precious metals. Additionally, these catalysts can be easily scalable and have a comparable or superior performance to traditional approaches, and can contribute to a sustainable and more environmental approach to energy supply.
Invention Readiness
In silico and physical experiments have shown similar activity in the areas of potential, resistance and electrochemical activity to existing commercially available IrO2 and Pt/C catalysts .
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/US20240304828A1
