Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide ternary catalysts for oxygen evolution reactions comprised of Ni, Fe, and a third metal X, where X comprises any of Co, Zn, Al, Mn, or Cr. Still other aspects of the invention provide such ternary catalysts, where the molar ratios in preparation of the catalysts of Ni, Fe and X are any of 8:1:1, 7:2:1, 7:1:2, 6:3:1, 6:2:2, or 6:1:3 where the first number refers to nickel; the second number, iron; and, the third number, the metal X. Further aspects of the invention provide such ternary catalysts prepared by reducing corresponding salts of each of the metals Ni, Fe and X in the presence of aniline to yield respective oxides, hydroxides, and/or oxyhydroxides of each of those metals and, then, alloying a mixture of same in argon to yield the catalyst.

Abstract: The invention provides, in some aspects, methods for fabricating an electrode comprising a nickel/molybdenum (NiMo) hydrogen evolution reaction catalyst on a carbon support, e.g., for use as a cathode in an electrolyzer. A catalyst of the type described above can be prepared by co-precipitation of nickel and molybdenum oxide species on the carbon support followed by its reduction through heat treatment in the presence of nitrogen. Such a catalyst can alternatively be prepared through the thermal degradation of metal-organic complexes of nickel and molybdenum in the presence of the carbon support. Further aspects of the invention comprise a cathode, e.g., for an anion exchange membrane electrolyzer, comprising a nickel/molybdenum hydrogen evolution reaction catalyst as described above. Still further aspects of the invention comprise an anion exchange membrane electrolyzer with a cathode as described above.

Abstract: Me-N—C catalysts, wherein Me can include a transition metal, Mn, Fe, Co, or a combination of metals with Me-INU moieties located at the exterior surface of the Me-N—C catalysts are produced by a chemical vapor deposition synthesis. The synthesis methods can utilize non-solid-contact pyrolysis wherein a metal salt can be vaporized. Gaseous metal from the vaporized metal salt can displace a metal M from the N—C zeolitic imidazolate framework. The non-solid-contact pyrolysis does not mix solid iron precursors (e.g., Me=Mn, Fe, or Co) with the solid N—C zeolitic imidazolate framework precursors during or before the synthesis, which improves the process compared to conventional methods.

Abstract: Functionalized catalysts for use in a hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) contain nanoparticles containing a transition metal enveloped in layers of graphene, which renders the nanoparticles resistant to passivation while maintaining an optimal ratio of transition metal and transition metal oxide in the nanoparticles. The catalysts can be utilized with anionic exchange polymer membranes for hydrogen production by alkaline water electrolysis.

Abstract: A simplified and efficient method for preparing non-noble metal catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) based on nitrogen containing metal organic framework (MOF) is provided. The method includes formation of a first MOF product through a mechano-chemical reaction between a first transition metal compound and a first organic ligand in the presence of a catalyst. It further includes formation of a second MOF product incorporating a second transition metal and a second organic ligand into the first-MOF product. The second MOF product is converted into an electrocatalyst via pyrolysis, and optionally post-treatment. The electrocatalysts are applicable in various electrochemical systems, including oxygen depolarized cathodes (ODC) for chlorine evolution.

Abstract: The invention provides a nitrogen-functionalized platinum-transition metal catalyst having the formula Pt-M-NX/C (where M is a transition element such as Fe, Co, Ni, Nb, Ta, Ir, Rh, or Ru) for use at the hydrogen electrode of a hydrogen/bromine redox flow battery. The new catalyst possesses excellent activity and durability in the HBr/Br2 environment, showing superior resistance to halide poisoning than conventional Pt/C or Pt-M/C catalysts.

Abstract: A simplified and efficient method for preparing non-noble metal catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) based on nitrogen containing metal organic framework (MOF) is provided. The method includes formation of a first MOF product through a mechano-chemical reaction between a first transition metal compound and a first organic ligand in the presence of a catalyst. It further includes formation of a second MOF product incorporating a second transition metal and a second organic ligand into the first-MOF product. The second MOF product is converted into an electrocatalyst via pyrolysis, and optionally post-treatment. The electrocatalysts are applicable in various electrochemical systems, including oxygen depolarized cathodes (ODC) for chlorine evolution.

Abstract: Highly anion resistant electrocatalysts suitable for catalyzing an oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and methods of synthesizing the same are provided. The catalysts contain a transition metal, a heteroatom, and carbon. Preferred catalysts include N as the heteroatom and Fe as the transition metal, with active sites having Fe—N4 stoichiometry (FexNyCz) as part of a metal organic framework (MOF) or sequestered within a MOF. Electrocatalysts further including Fe nanoparticles (FeNPs) are also provided. The catalysts described herein are applicable in the preparation of oxygen decoupled cathodes (ODC) for chlorine evolution processes such as in chlor-alkali cells or HCl electrolyzers. The catalysts are also useful in preparing ODC for use in fuel cells, including phosphoric acid fuel cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a nitrogen-functionalized platinum-transition metal catalyst having the formula Pt-M-Nx/C (where M is a transition element such as Fe, Co, Ni, Nb, Ta, Ir, Rh, or Ru) for use at the hydrogen electrode of a hydrogen/bromine redox flow battery. The new catalyst possesses excellent activity and durability in the HBr/Br2 environment, showing superior resistance to halide poisoning than conventional Pt/C or Pt-M/C catalysts.

Abstract: The invention provides a cathode material for L1-ion batteries. The material has the formula of 0.5Li2MnO3-0.5LiM-n0.5Ni0.35Co0.15O2. The material was synthesized using the “self-ignition combustion” method, which previously has not been used for the preparation of Li-rich layered metal oxides. The cathode material exhibits capacities of 290, 250, and 200 mAh/g at discharge rates of C/20, C/4 and C rates, respectively. Moreover, the new material exhibits high rate cycling ability with little or no capacity fade for over 100 cycles demonstrated at a series of rates from C/20 to 2C rates for electrodes loadings of 7-8 mg/cm2.

Abstract: Methods for the conversion of a biofuel such as biodiesel into an alkane composition such as an aviation fuel, kerosine, or liquified petroleum gas product involve a series of electrochemical reactions. The reactions include oxidation of methanol to carbon dioxide, reduction of fatty acid esters, and cleavage of fatty acid chains at C?C double bonds. The methods are carried out by systems of two or more electrochemical reactors.

Abstract: Highly anion resistant electrocatalysts suitable for catalyzing an oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and methods of synthesizing the same are provided. The catalysts contain a transition metal, a heteroatom, and carbon. Preferred catalysts include N as the heteroatom and Fe as the transition metal, with active sites having Fe—N4 stoichiometry (FexNyCz) as part of a metal organic framework (MOF) or sequestered within a MOF. Electrocatalysts further including Fe nanoparticles (FeNPs) are also provided. The catalysts described herein are applicable in the preparation of oxygen decoupled cathodes (ODC) for chlorine evolution processes such as in chlor-alkali cells or HCl electrolyzers. The catalysts are also useful in preparing ODC for use in fuel cells, including phosphoric acid fuel cells.

Abstract: A catalyst for use in at the anode of direct methanol fuel cells is made from nanoparticles having a core-shell structure. The core is an alloy of platinum and gold. The core is surrounded by a first shell of ruthenium and a second shell containing a ternary alloy of platinum, gold, and ruthenium. The catalyst can be made by a reverse-micelle method or by a single-phase scalable method. The catalyst is highly stable under conditions of use and resists dissolution of ruthenium or platinum.

Abstract: A platinum alloy catalyst is made by a microemulsion method. The resulting catalyst has superior properties for use in low and medium temperature fuel cells.

Abstract: Methods for the conversion of a biofuel such as biodiesel into an alkane composition such as an aviation fuel, kerosine, or liquified petroleum gas product involve a series of electrochemical reactions. The reactions include oxidation of methanol to carbon dioxide, reduction of fatty acid esters, and cleavage of fatty acid chains at C?C double bonds. The methods are carried out by systems of two or more electrochemical reactors.

Abstract: A catalyst for use in at the anode of direct methanol fuel cells is made from nanoparticles having a core-shell structure. The core is an alloy of platinum and gold. The core is surrounded by a first shell of ruthenium and a second shell containing a ternary alloy of platinum, gold, and ruthenium. The catalyst can be made by a reverse-micelle method or by a single-phase scalable method. The catalyst is highly stable under conditions of use and resists dissolution of ruthenium or platinum.

Abstract: A process for the highly efficient oxidation of ethanol in fuel cells involves the addition of a metal co-catalyst oxidation enhancer to the fuel cell electrolyte in soluble form. The enhancer vastly improves the rate of ethanol ethanol oxidation and promotes oxidation of the C—C bond to CO2. The metal co-catalyst can adopt oxidation number II and oxidation number IV and forms a redox couple that promotes oxidation reactions at the anode. Embodiments of the invention include fuel cells, methods of their operation, and fuel cell electrolyte solutions for the efficient electro-oxidation of organic fuels including ethanol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst for electro-chemical applications comprising an alloy of platinum and a transition metal, wherein the transition metal has an absorption edge similar to the absorption edge of the transition metal in oxidic state, measured with x-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) wherein the measurements are performed in concentrated H3PO4 electrolyte. The invention further relates to a process for an oxygen reduction reaction using the catalyst as electrocatalyst.

Abstract: A platinum alloy catalyst is made by a microemulsion method. The resulting catalyst has superior properties for use in low and medium temperature fuel cells.