Abstract: A catalyst structure includes: (1) a substrate; (2) a catalyst layer on the substrate; and (3) an adhesion layer disposed between the substrate and the catalyst layer. In some implementations, an average thickness of the adhesion layer is about 1 nm or less. In some implementations, a material of the catalyst layer at least partially extends into a region of the adhesion layer. In some implementations, the catalyst layer is characterized by a lattice strain imparted by the adhesion layer.

Abstract: A supported catalyst includes: (1) a catalyst support; and (2) deposits of a catalyst covering the catalyst support, wherein the deposits have an average thickness of about 2 nm or less, and the deposits are spaced apart from one another.

Abstract: A catalyst structure includes: (1) a substrate; (2) a catalyst layer on the substrate; and (3) an adhesion layer disposed between the substrate and the catalyst layer. In some implementations, an average thickness of the adhesion layer is about 1 nm or less. In some implementations, a material of the catalyst layer at least partially extends into a region of the adhesion layer. In some implementations, the catalyst layer is characterized by a lattice strain imparted by the adhesion layer.

Abstract: A catalyst structure includes: (1) a substrate; (2) a catalyst layer on the substrate; and (3) an adhesion layer disposed between the substrate and the catalyst layer. In some implementations, an average thickness of the adhesion layer is about 1 nm or less. In some implementations, a material of the catalyst layer at least partially extends into a region of the adhesion layer. In some implementations, the catalyst layer is characterized by a lattice strain imparted by the adhesion layer.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the various embodiments may provide low cost bifunctional air electrodes. Various embodiments may provide a bifunctional air electrode, including a metal substrate and particles of metal and/or metal oxide catalyst and/or metal nitride catalyst coated on the metal substrate. Various embodiments may provide a bifunctional air electrode, including a first portion configured to engage an oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in a discharge mode and a second portion configured to engage an oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in a charge mode. Various embodiments may provide a method for making an air electrode including coating a metal substrate with particles of metal and/or metal oxide catalyst and/or metal nitride catalyst. Various embodiments may provide batteries including air electrodes.

Abstract: A supported catalyst includes: (1) a catalyst support; and (2) deposits of a catalyst covering the catalyst support, wherein the deposits have an average thickness of about 2 nm or less, and the deposits are spaced apart from one another.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved micro-electrochemical sensor structures that uses cyclic voltammetry (CV) to perform electrochemical measurements on gaseous volatile organic compounds (VOC). The improved sensor structures include a Ag reference electrode layer and an adhesion SU-8 layer. Operationally, the oxidation of the Ag layer provides a reference potential that is used to determine the redox reactions occurring on the surface of Pt electrodes exposed to a flow of gaseous VOC. Experimentally, our improved sensor was used to detect methane dissolved in N2. The results show clear and reproducible oxidation signals that were attributed to the presence of methane in the gas flow. The position of this signal for methane was compared to CO, and was found to be clearly separated from it, proving the speciation capabilities of the sensor. In addition, our experiments showed that it is possible to use the current value to quantify the detected molecule in the gas flow.

Abstract: A catalyst structure includes: (1) a substrate; (2) a catalyst layer on the substrate; and (3) an adhesion layer disposed between the substrate and the catalyst layer. In some implementations, an average thickness of the adhesion layer is about 1 nm or less. In some implementations, a material of the catalyst layer at least partially extends into a region of the adhesion layer. In some implementations, the catalyst layer is characterized by a lattice strain imparted by the adhesion layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved methods and structures for electrochemical sensors that may advantageously sense/detect chemical species including pollutants and/or energetics in a gaseous phase. Sensors according to the present disclosure may advantageously be fabricated using large scale microfabrication techniques and materials.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved methods and structures for electrochemical sensors that may advantageously sense/detect chemical species including pollutants and/or energetics in a gaseous phase. Sensors according to the present disclosure may advantageously be fabricated using large scale microfabrication techniques and materials.

Abstract: The present invention concerns electrode catalysts used in fuel cells, such as proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. The invention is related to the reduction of the noble metal content and the improvement of the catalytic efficiency by low level substitution of the noble metal to provide new and innovative catalyst compositions in fuel cell electrodes. The novel electrode catalysts of the invention comprise a noble metal selected from Pt, Pd and mixtures thereof alloyed with a further element selected from Sc, Y and La as well as any mixtures thereof, wherein said alloy is supported on a conductive support material.

Abstract: The present invention concerns electrode catalysts used in fuel cells, such as proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. The invention is related to the reduction of the noble metal content and the improvement of the catalytic efficiency by low level substitution of the noble metal to provide new and innovative catalyst compositions in fuel cell electrodes. The novel electrode catalysts of the invention comprise a noble metal selected from Pt, Pd and mixtures thereof alloyed with a further element selected from Sc, Y and La as well as any mixtures thereof, wherein said alloy is supported on a conductive support material.