Abstract: A carbon supported catalyst composition for solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells is disclosed that shows a high mass activity and favorable stability and durability. The catalyst composition comprises an intermetallic phase or alloy comprising Pt and a metal selected from the group consisting of Nb, Ta, V and Mo, and comprises an oxide of the metal. The carbon supported catalyst composition can be prepared at relatively low temperature either by first depositing and heating an oxide precursor of the metal on a suitable carbon to make a hybrid support, and then depositing and heating a Pt precursor on the hybrid support, or by depositing both an oxide precursor of the metal and a Pt precursor on a suitable carbon support, and directly heating to a final temperature.

Abstract: Provided is a catalyst composition comprising an intermetallic phase comprising Pt and a metal selected from either Nb or Ta, and a dioxide of the metal. Also provided is a low temperature method for making such compositions that results in the formation of intermetallic phase with small crystallite size and thus greater mass activity. In particular, a Pt3Nb—NbO2 catalyst composition can be prepared that is useful as a fuel cell catalyst and offers a very stable chemical substrate along with good electrode activity and remarkable durability. The use of Pt3Nb—NbO2 can considerably prolong fuel cell lifetime by reducing Pt dissolution levels and subsequent voltage losses. The Pt3Nb—NbO2 can be used in the cathode and/or anode of a fuel cell.

Abstract: A method of surface treating a separator plate of a fuel cell comprises reacting the separator plate with an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide. The aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide comprises one or more salts of one or more transition metals. The one or more transition metals have variable oxidation states. This method makes the surface of the separator plate hydrophilic (˜35 deg contact angle of water) and improves its electrical conductivity. The method of surface treating a separator plate (e.g., a graphite and/or graphite composite plate) of a fuel cell can further comprise a method of modifying wettability of the separator plate comprising treating the separator plate with a solution comprising one or more silanes. In another embodiment, a method of modifying wettability of a separator plate (e.g.

Abstract: Provided is a catalyst composition comprising an intermetallic phase comprising Pt and a metal selected from either Nb or Ta, and a dioxide of the metal. Also provided is a low temperature method for making such compositions that results in the formation of intermetallic phase with small crystallite size and thus greater mass activity. In particular, a Pt3Nb—NbO2 catalyst composition can be prepared that is useful as a fuel cell catalyst and offers a very stable chemical substrate along with good electrode activity and remarkable durability. The use of Pt3Nb—NbO2 can considerably prolong fuel cell lifetime by reducing Pt dissolution levels and subsequent voltage losses. The Pt3Nb—NbO2 can be used in the cathode and/or anode of a fuel cell.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a catalyst including platinum phosphide having a cubic structure, a method of making the catalyst, and a fuel cell utilizing the catalyst. The present disclosure also relates to method of making electrical power utilizing a PEMFC incorporating the catalyst. Also disclosed herein is a catalyst including a platinum complex wherein platinum is complexed with a nonmetal or metalloid. The catalyst with the platinum complex can exhibit good electro-chemically active properties.

Abstract: A method of surface treating a separator plate of a fuel cell comprises reacting the separator plate with an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide. The aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide comprises one or more salts of one or more transition metals. The one or more transition metals have variable oxidation states. This method makes the surface of the separator plate hydrophilic (˜35 deg contact angle of water) and improves its electrical conductivity. The method of surface treating a separator plate (e.g., a graphite and/or graphite composite plate) of a fuel cell can further comprise a method of modifying wettability of the separator plate comprising treating the separator plate with a solution comprising one or more silanes. In another embodiment, a method of modifying wettability of a separator plate (e.g.