Abstract: Particles of a macro-porous ion exchange resin are dispersed in a solution of a transition metal compound, such as a compound of molybdenum, tungsten, or vanadium. The resin may be composed for anion exchange or cation ion exchange and, correspondingly, anions or cations of the metal are exchanged onto active ion exchange sites on the molecular chains of the resin. The resin is then carbonized and graphitized to form nanometer-size particles of transition metal carbide on particles of graphite. The composite metal carbide and graphite particles are electrically conductive and serve well as support particles for later deposited particles of a platinum group metal or other catalyst material in, for example, a catalytic electrode member in an electrochemical cell.

Abstract: Particles of a macro-porous ion exchange resin are dispersed in a solution of a transition metal compound, such as a compound of molybdenum, tungsten, or vanadium. The resin may be composed for anion exchange or cation ion exchange and, correspondingly, anions or cations of the metal are exchanged onto active ion exchange sites on the molecular chains of the resin. The resin is then carbonized and graphitized to form nanometer-size particles of transition metal carbide on particles of graphite. The composite metal carbide and graphite particles are electrically conductive and serve well as support particles for later deposited particles of a platinum group metal or other catalyst material in, for example, a catalytic electrode member in an electrochemical cell.