Including Platinum Catalyst Patents (Class 429/524)
  • Publication number: 20110086295
    Abstract: The invention discloses core/shell type catalyst particles comprising a Mcore/Mshell structure with Mcore=inner particle core and Mshell=outer particle shell, wherein the medium diameter of the catalyst particle (dcore+shell) is ?20 nm. The thickness of the outer shell (tshell) comprises at least 3 atomic layers. The core/shell type catalyst particles, particularly the particles comprising a Pt-based shell, reveal a high specific activity. The catalyst particles are preferably supported on suitable support materials such as carbon black and are used as electrocatalysts for fuel cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: UMICORE AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Marco LOPEZ, Michael LENNARTZ, Dan V. GOIA, Carsten BECKER, Stephanie CHEVALLIOT
  • Patent number: 7923171
    Abstract: A cathode catalyst of the present invention includes an A-B-Ch compound, where A is a metal selected from the group consisting of Pt, Ru, Rh, and combinations thereof, B is a metal selected from the group consisting of Bi, Pb, Tl, Sb, Sn, In, Ga, Ge, and combinations thereof, and Ch is an element selected from the group consisting of S, Se, Te, and combinations thereof. The cathode catalyst may be used in a membrane-electrode assembly and a fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Alexey Alexandrovichserov, Chan Kwak, Si-Hyun Lee
  • Patent number: 7923402
    Abstract: A method of producing a finely divided ruthenium-platinum alloy catalyst comprising: (i) forming a mixture of platinum ?-diketone and ruthenium ?-diketone on a carbon support, (ii) both, platinum ?-diketone and ruthenium ?-diketone having a decomposition temperature within 20° C. of each other, (iii) decomposing said platinum ?-diketone and ruthenium ?-diketone on a carbon support at a temperature of at least 260° C. in the absence of a reducing agent (iv) followed by a reduction effected with a hydrogen containing gas mixture and a method from oxidizing methanol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: BASF Fuel Cell GmbH
    Inventors: Lixin Cao, Yu-Min Tsou, Emory De Castro
  • Publication number: 20110081595
    Abstract: An electrode catalyst for a fuel cell, which has improved performance compared with conventional platinum alloy catalysts, a method for producing the electrode catalyst, and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell using the electrode catalyst are provided. The electrode catalyst for a fuel cell comprises a noble-metal-non-precious metal alloy that has a core-shell structure supported on a conductive carrier. The composition of the catalyst components of the shell is such that the amount of the noble metal is greater than or equal to the amount of the non-precious metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: Yukiyoshi Ueno, Tetsuo Nagami, Tetsuya Shoji
  • Patent number: 7910259
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an anode for a fuel cell including: performing an acid treatment for a carbon-based compound; washing the resultant obtained from the acid treatment with water and then performing a freeze-drying (lyophilization) process; forming a microporous diffusion layer by dispersing the lyophilized resultant in a solvent, coating the dispersed resultant on a porous carbon support, and drying; and forming a catalyst layer on top of the microporous diffusion layer, an anode for a fuel cell obtained according to the method herein, and a fuel cell using the same. An anode having improved efficiency on liquid fuel diffusion can be obtained when using the fuel diffusion layer including the microporous diffusion layer formed of the carbon-based compounds obtained after an acid treatment and a freeze-drying process according to the present invention. A fuel cell having improved performance can be manufactured by using such an anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seol-ah Lee, Seung-jae Lee, Chan-ho Pak, Ji-rae Kim, Dae-jong Yoo
  • Publication number: 20110065025
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a platinum/support catalyst or a platinum alloy/support catalyst, including: a) preparing a dispersion solution including urea, a support and a water-soluble salt of at least one metal(s) having catalytic activity; (b) reacting the dispersion solution at high temperature so as to deposit the metal hydroxide particles derived from the at least one metal(s) on the support; and (c) reducing the metal hydroxide particles. The size and distribution of the platinum particles or platinum alloy particles are greatly improved by the use of urea. The disclosed method allows loading of platinum particles or platinum alloy particles having small particle size and uniform size distribution on the support since hydroxide ions homogenously generated in situ by the hydrolysis of urea react with metal salts to form the catalyst complex species deposited on the support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventor: Jong-Sung Yu
  • Patent number: 7906450
    Abstract: The invention provides an electrode comprising an electrically conductive material having a surface capable of producing surface enhanced Raman scattering of incident light from a complex adsorbed at the surface of the electrode, the complex including the electrically conductive material combined with a second material that is substantially reducible and not substantially oxidizable. The surface of the electrode can be microroughened. The invention also includes a method for making various embodiments of the electrode, and a method of generating electricity using the electrode. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a fuel cell is provided including the electrode of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Fordham University
    Inventor: John J. McMahon
  • Patent number: 7906452
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ink for producing catalyst layers for electrochemical devices. The ink comprises catalyst material, ionomer material, water and at least one organic solvent. The organic solvent belongs to the class of tertiary alcohol's and/or the class of aliphatic diketones and bears functional groups which are stable to oxidative degradation in the ink. This prevents formation of decomposition products in the ink. The ink of the invention displays a high storage stability and is used for producing catalyst-coated substrates for electrochemical devices, in particular fuel cells (PEMFCs, DMFCs).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Umicore AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Walter Behl, Marco Lopez
  • Patent number: 7902111
    Abstract: A supported catalyst for a fuel cell, a method of preparing the same, an electrode for a fuel cell including the supported catalyst, and a fuel cell including the electrode. The supported catalyst for the fuel cell includes a graphite based catalyst carrier; a first catalyst metal particle adsorbed on the surface of the graphite based catalyst carrier, wherein the amount of the first catalyst metal particle is at least 30 wt % based on the supported catalyst; and a second catalyst metal particle impregnated on the surface of the first catalyst metal particle. The supported catalyst for a fuel cell uses a graphite based catalyst carrier to increase durability of the fuel cell. Accordingly, the supported catalyst for the fuel cell provides superior energy density and fuel efficiency, by minimizing the loss of a metal catalyst impregnated in the graphite based catalyst carrier and regulating the amount of the impregnated metal catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Victor Roev, Sang-hyuk Suh
  • Patent number: 7901836
    Abstract: For a combination of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane 107, catalytic layers 111 and 113 disposed on both sides of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 107, gas diffusion layers 112 and 114 disposed outside the catalytic layers 111 and 113, and separators 103 and 104 disposed outside the gas diffusion layers 112 and 114, the catalytic layer 113 to be cathode-sided includes a carbon carrier 117 composed of carbon having a mean lattice plane spacing d002 of [002] planes calculated from an X-ray diffraction within a range of 0.343 nm to 0.358 nm, a crystallite size Lc within a range of 3 nm to 10 nm, and a specific surface area within a range of 200 m2/g to 300 m2/g, catalyst particles 115 containing platinum supported on the carbon carrier 117, and an electrolyte 116.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Ohma, Shinji Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7901835
    Abstract: A platinum alloy catalyst can be used as a fuel cell catalyst. The platinum alloy is a PtAuX alloy wherein X is one or more metals chosen from the group consisting of transition metals, and wherein the alloy contains 40-97% Pt, 1-40% Au and 2-20% X. Electrodes, catalysed membranes and membrane electrode assemblies comprising the catalyst are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company
    Inventors: Brian Elliott Hayden, Christopher Edward Lee, Claire Mormiche, David Thompsett
  • Publication number: 20110053040
    Abstract: Catalysts of the invention are not corroded in acidic electrolytes or at high potential and have excellent durability and high oxygen reducing ability. A catalyst includes a metal oxycarbonitride containing niobium and at least one metal M selected from the group consisting of tin, indium, platinum, tantalum, zirconium, copper, iron, tungsten, chromium, molybdenum, hafnium, titanium, vanadium, cobalt, manganese, cerium, mercury, plutonium, gold, silver, iridium, palladium, yttrium, ruthenium, lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, promethium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, lutetium and nickel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: SHOWA DENKO K.K.
    Inventors: Ryuji Monden, Tadatoshi Kurozumi, Toshikzu Shishikura, Takuya Imai
  • Publication number: 20110053050
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of functionalizing a carbon material. A carbon material is contacted with a carboxylic acid, whereby a mixture is formed. The mixture is heated for a suitable period of time at a temperature below the thermal decomposition temperature of the carbon material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: AGENCY FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH
    Inventors: San Hua Lim, Chee Kok Poh, Jianyi Lin
  • Publication number: 20110053051
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electrode binder for a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell which includes a hydrocarbon-based polymer and a water-soluble polymer acting as a porogen, a porous hydrocarbon-based electrode catalyst layer including the electrode binder, and a method of manufacturing the same. Because of the use of the porogen, the pore size and porosity of the hydrocarbon-based binder catalyst layer are optimized, and bondability of a hydrocarbon-based membrane electrode assembly is enhanced. The present invention also features a fuel cell manufactured using the porogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jung Ki Park, Wan Keun Kim, Kyung A Sung, Ki Yun Cho, In Chul Hwang, Nak Hyun Kwon
  • Patent number: 7897293
    Abstract: A chemical composition is provided having the formula: M—SnOx.yH2O M is a platinum group metal and x and y are positive numbers. The hydrous platinum tin oxide may be used in the cathode of a fuel cell as a catalyst for oxygen reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Karen S. Lyons, Norma P. Ugarte
  • Patent number: 7892693
    Abstract: A fuel cell is entirely fabricated on a single monocrystalline silicon substrate, and substantially overcomes leak proofing and wafer bonding difficulties and criticalities while ensuring an intrinsic sturdiness of the planarly integrated functional structure of the fuel cell. The integrated fuel cell is formed in an oxidized porous silicon region on a monocrystalline silicon substrate that is pervious to fluid flow and is electrically nonconductive with the monocrystalline silicon substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Simone Angelo Siciliano, Luigi La Magna, Salvatore Leonardi
  • Patent number: 7892701
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, fuel cell includes an anode, into which an aqueous methanol solution is introduced as fuel, includes a current collector and a catalyst layer formed on the current collector, a cathode, into which an oxidizing agent is introduced, includes a current collector and a catalyst layer formed on the current collector, and an electrolyte membrane interposed between the catalyst layer of the anode and the catalyst layer of the cathode. The catalyst layer of at least one of the anode and the cathode contains carbon particles having pores on the surface thereof, catalyst microparticles which are supported by these carbon particles and are finer than the carbon particles, a perfluoroalkylsulfonic acid polymer and a high-molecular compound having a repeating unit of a high-molecular chain fixed to the surface of the carbon particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Tomoaki Arimura
  • Patent number: 7892700
    Abstract: An electrode catalyst including two or more metal components used in an anode and/or a cathode of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) or a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC), a method of preparing the same, and a fuel cell including the electrode catalyst. The electrode catalyst includes an active Pt-based metal and an inactive La-based metal. By including the inactive metal component in the electrode catalyst, in addition to the active Pt-based metal component, higher catalyst activity can be obtained, and the amount of the expensive Pt-based metal can be decreased so that the fuel cell can be produced at relatively low costs. In addition, the active Pt-based metal and the inactive La-based metal are uniformly distributed so that agglomeration of the active Pt-based metal can be blocked (or prevented) and thus the catalyst activity can be maintained constant for a relatively long period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang-mock Lee
  • Publication number: 20110033784
    Abstract: An element being an electrode (23) for an electrochemical cell (27), which comprises an electrically conductive substrate (28) and an electrically conductive corrosion resistant coating (29) comprising a multielement material, which coating is formed on and at least partially covering said conducting substrate, is disclosed. There is also disclosed a method in manufacturing of such electrode and a use of the multielement material for corrosion protection of an electrode for an electrochemical cell. The multielement material has a composition of at least one of a carbide or nitride described by the formula MqAyXz, where M is a transition metal or a combination of transition metals, A is a group A element or a combination of group A elements, X is carbon or nitrogen or both, and z and at least one of q and y are numbers above zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: Impact Coatings AB
    Inventors: Henrik Ljungcrantz, Simon Astrom, Bengt Walivaara, Torbjorn Joelsson
  • Publication number: 20110027696
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a method including applying a first ink comprising carbon over a substrate and drying the first ink to form a first electrode layer, applying a second ink including a second catalyst over the first electrode layer and drying the second ink to form a second electrode layer, and applying a third ink comprising an ionomer solution over the second electrode layer and drying the third ink to form an ionomer overcoat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Matthew M. Fay
  • Patent number: 7879752
    Abstract: An electrocatalyst including an active catalyst component and an additive including a transitional metal, transitional metal oxide or complex precursor thereof, products including such an electrocatalyst and methods of making and using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gongquan Sun, Qin Xin, Juan Tian, Mei Cai
  • Publication number: 20110020735
    Abstract: According to at least one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fuel cell catalyst formed from a metallic alloy of one or more catalyst metals and one or more leachable metals through potential cycling to remove at least a portion of the leachable metals such that an effective catalytic surface area of the fuel cell catalyst per a given amount of the catalyst metals is enhanced after removal of the at least a portion of the one or more leachable metals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Chi Paik, Lifeng Xu, Hungwen Jen, Karen Marie Adams, Mark S. Sulek, Sherry A. Mueller
  • Publication number: 20110020729
    Abstract: Catalysts of the present invention are not corroded in acidic electrolytes or at high potential and have excellent durability and high oxygen reducing ability. The catalyst includes a metal oxycarbonitride containing two metals M selected from the group consisting of tin, indium, platinum, tantalum, zirconium, titanium, copper, iron, tungsten, chromium, molybdenum, hafnium, vanadium, cobalt, cerium, aluminum and nickel, and containing zirconium and/or titanium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: SHOWDA DENKO K.K.
    Inventors: Ryuji Monden, Tadatoshi Kurozumi, Toshikazu Shishikura, Yasuaki Wakizaka
  • Patent number: 7875569
    Abstract: A supported catalyst includes a carbonaceous catalyst support and first metal-second metal alloy catalyst particles adsorbed on the surface of the carbonaceous catalyst support, wherein the difference between a D10 value and a D90 value is in the range of 0.1 to 10 nm, wherein the D10 value is a mean diameter of a randomly selected 10 wt % of the first metal-second metal alloy catalyst particles and the D90 value is a mean diameter of a randomly selected 90 wt % of the alloy catalyst particles. The supported catalyst has excellent membrane efficiency in electrodes for fuel cells due to uniform alloy composition of a catalyst particle and supported catalysts that do not agglomerate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Victor Roev, Sang-hyuk Suh, Kyung-jung Kwon, Hae-kyoung Kim
  • Patent number: 7875404
    Abstract: Fuel cells, fuel cell membranes, micro-fuel cells, and methods of fabricating each, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher W. Moore, Jun Li, Paul Kohl
  • Patent number: 7871957
    Abstract: A durable catalyst support/catalyst is capable of extended water gas shift operation under conditions of high temperature, pressure, and sulfur levels. The support is a homogeneous, nanocrystalline, mixed metal oxide of at least three metals, the first being cerium, the second being Zr, and/or Hf, and the third importantly being Ti, the three metals comprising at least 80% of the metal constituents of the mixed metal oxide and the Ti being present in a range of 5% to 45% by metals-only atomic percent of the mixed metal oxide. The mixed metal oxide has an average crystallite size less than 6 nm and forms a skeletal structure with pores whose diameters are in the range of 4-9 nm and normally greater than the average crystallite size. The surface area of the skeletal structure per volume of the material of the structure is greater than about 240 m2/cm3. The method of making and use are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: UTC Power Corporation
    Inventors: Rhonda R. Willigan, Thomas Henry Vanderspurt, Sonia Tulyani, Rakesh Radhakrishnan, Susanne Marie Opalka, Sean C. Emerson
  • Patent number: 7871738
    Abstract: A method of preparing a nanosegregated Pt alloy having enhanced catalytic properties. The method includes providing a sample of Pt and one or more of a transition metal in a substantially inert environment, and annealing the sample in such an environment for a period of time and at a temperature profile to form a nanosegregated Pt alloy having a Pt-skin on a surface. The resulting alloy is characterized by a plurality of compositionally oscillatory atomic layers resulting in an advantageous electronic structure with enhanced catalytic properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: UChicago Argonne, LLC
    Inventors: Vojislav Stamenkovic, Nenad M. Markovic
  • Publication number: 20110008715
    Abstract: A method of depositing platinum onto a support is disclosed. This method is based on a combination of two processes: electrochemical and electroless deposition, using a chemical bath containing a platinum source and agents that trigger nucleation and buffer the solution. This method is capable of producing a catalyst having a gravimetric current density of at least approximately 0.8 mA/cm2 per ?g of platinum per cm2 at cell voltage of 0.9V/RHE for oxygen reduction reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Belabbes Merzougui, Shampa Kandoi
  • Patent number: 7867942
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for manufacturing a highly dispersed carbon supported metal catalyst, including charging a carbon support and a dispersing agent in water. The carbon support is evenly dispersed in water with an average diameter of 10 nm to 2000 nm and a specific surface area of 50 m2/g to 1500 m2/g. A metal salt of Pd, Pt, or combinations thereof is formed on the carbon support surface and then reduced to a valance state less than (IV).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Man-Yin Lo, Hsi-Yen Hsu, Yan Zhi Chen, Li Duan Tsai, Yu Min Peng
  • Patent number: 7867940
    Abstract: A method of preparing a supported catalyst includes dissolving a cation exchange polymer in alcohol to prepare a solution containing cation exchange polymer; mixing the cation exchange polymer containing solution with a catalytic metal precursor or a solution containing catalytic metal precursor; heating the mixture after adjusting its pH to a predetermined range; adding a reducing agent to the resultant and stirring the solution to reduce the catalytic metal precursor; mixing the resultant with a catalyst support; adding a precipitating agent to the resultant to form precipitates; and filtering and drying the precipitates. The method of preparing a supported catalyst can provide a highly dispersed supported catalyst containing catalytic metal particles with a reduced average size regardless of the type of catalyst support, which provides better catalytic activity than conventional catalysts at the same loading amount of catalytic metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chan-ho Pak, Hyuk Chang, Dae-Jong Yoo, Seol ah Lee, Gongguan Sun, Luhua Jiang, Qin Xin
  • Publication number: 20100330439
    Abstract: Electrochemical cells (10), such as fuel cells (12) and fuel reformers (14), with rotating elements or electrodes (34, 24) that generate Taylor Vortex Flows (28, 50) and Circular Couette Flows (58) in fluids such as electrolytes and fuels are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Fischel Halbert
  • Patent number: 7858550
    Abstract: A method of making a nanostructured electrode comprising depositing a self-assembled monolayer on a substrate, depositing a catalyst nanoparticle covalently bonded to a ligand, and depositing a material capable of binding to the self-assembled monolayer. The method includes depositing on a conductive electrode substrate a catalytic nanoparticle stabilized by a covalently-bound ligand bearing a peripheral functional group and depositing a material capable of binding to the peripheral functional group, wherein the conductive electrode substrate is chemically modified to create a surface functional group capable of supporting multilayer deposition. The method can include covalent grafting of a functional group to create an initial layer of positive charge on the surface, depositing a platinum nanoparticle stabilized by negatively-charged ligands onto the functional group, and providing a polymer component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventors: Walter J. Dressick, Cynthia N. Kostelansky, Terence L. Schull
  • Patent number: 7858265
    Abstract: The present invention provides a carrier for a fuel cell including a cryogel-type carbon. A catalyst of the fuel cell includes the cryogel-type carbon and an active material. One of an anode and cathode of the fuel cell has the catalyst including cryogel-type carbon. The carrier for a fuel cell has excellent porosity, specific surface area, and density characteristics, and thus is capable of improving catalyst activity due to excellent catalyst-supporting efficiency, and thereby cell performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chan Kwak, Alexey Alexandrovichserov, Soon-Ki Kang
  • Patent number: 7858263
    Abstract: A solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprises: a plurality of electrode structures comprising an anode and a cathode, and polymer electrolyte membrane held between the anode and the cathode, and a plurality of separators for holding the respective electrode structures, with a fuel gas passage for supplying and discharging fuel gas containing hydrogen on a surface opposing the anode; and an oxidant gas passage for supplying and discharging oxidant gas on a surface opposing the cathode. The catalyst layer of the anode comprises a mixture of an ion conductive material, a platinum powder and/or platinum alloy powder and a carbon, the platinum powder and/or platinum alloy powder and carbon substantially exist independently from each other, and the catalyst layer of the cathode comprises a metal support mixture in which the ion conductive material and the electro-conductive material having the supported catalyst material are mixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Tanaka Kikinzoku Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Kaoru Fukuda, Ryoichiro Takahashi, Junji Matsuo, Tomoyuki Tada, Masahiko Inoue, Koichi Matsutani
  • Publication number: 20100323273
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present inventions are directed to fuel cell electrodes in membrane electrode assemblies, and methods of making same wherein the fuel cell electrodes comprise a catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer. The catalyst layer comprises at least one catalyst, phosphoric acid and a binder comprising at least one triazole modified polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicants: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Georgia Tech Research Corporation, Toyota Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Meilin Liu, Xiaobing Zhu, Min Kyu Song, John G. Muldoon, Kohei Hase
  • Publication number: 20100316930
    Abstract: A fuel cell (70) having an anode (72), a cathode (78) and an electrolyte (76) between the anode (72) and the cathode (78) includes a cathode catalyst (80) formed of a plurality of nanoparticles. Each nanoparticle (20) has a plurality of terraces (26) formed of platinum surface atoms (14), and a plurality of edge (28) and corner regions (29) formed of atoms from a second metal (30)—The cathode catalyst may be formed by combining a platinum nanoparticle with a metal salt in a solution. Ions from the second metal react with platinum and replace platinum atoms on the nanoparticle. The second metal atoms at the corner and edge regions of the nanoparticle, as well as at any surface defects, result in a more stable catalyst structure. In some embodiments, the fuel cell (70) is a proton exchange membrane fuel cell and the nanoparticles are tetrahedron-shaped. In some embodiments, the fuel cell (70) is a phosphoric acid fuel cell and the nanoparticles are cubic-shaped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: UTC POWER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Minhua Shao, Belabbes Merzougui, Patrick L. Hagans, Susanne M. Opalka
  • Publication number: 20100316931
    Abstract: The present invention is related to fuel cells and fuel cell cathodes, especially for fuel cells using hydrogen peroxide, oxygen or air as oxidant. A supported electrocatalyst (204) or unsupported metal black catalyst (206) of cathodes according to an embodiment of the present invention is bonded to a current collector (200) by an intrinsically electron conducting adhesive (202). The surface of the electrocatalyst layer is coated by an ion-conducting ionomer layer (210). According to an embodiment of the invention these fuel cells use cathodes that employ ruthenium alloys RuMeIMeII such as ruthenium-palladium-iridium alloys or quaternary ruthenium-rhenium alloys RuMeIMeIIRe such as ruthenium-palladium-iridium-rhenium alloys as electrocatalyst (206) for hydrogen peroxide fuel cells. Other embodiments are described and shown.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Friedrich Wilhelm Wieland
  • Publication number: 20100316937
    Abstract: An alloy catalyst for redox reaction which is capable of obtaining even superior catalytic activity comprises alloy particles of platinum and nickel, wherein the alloy particle is equipped at an outer surface with a crystal lattice plane represented by a Miller index {111}, and has an average particle diameter in a range of from 6 to 20 nm. The alloy particle preferably takes a shape selected from a regular octahedron, a truncated octahedron, a regular tetrahedron, and a truncated tetrahedron.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Ryogo SAKAMOTO, Kaoru Omichi, Masao Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 7851399
    Abstract: A method of making an electrode catalyst material using aqueous solutions. The electrode catalyst material includes a support comprising at least one transition metal and at least one chalcogen disposed on a surface of the transition metal. The method includes reducing a metal powder, mixing the metal powder with an aqueous solution containing at least one inorganic compound of the chalcogen to form a mixture, and providing a reducing agent to the mixture to form nanoparticles of the electrode catalyst. The electrode catalyst may be used in a membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Jong-Ho Choi, Piotr Zelenay, Andrzej Wieckowski, Dianxue Cao
  • Patent number: 7851095
    Abstract: An anode structure for incorporation into a fuel cell includes a first region having one or more electrocatalysts, in which the first region is adjacent to the fuel inlet when the anode structure is incorporated into a fuel cell, and a second region having one or more electrocatalysts, in which the second region is adjacent to the fuel outlet when the anode structure is incorporated into a fuel cell. The first region is better at promoting the electrochemical oxidation of carbon monoxide than the second region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company
    Inventors: Sarah Caroline Ball, David Thompsett
  • Patent number: 7846862
    Abstract: A methanol oxidation catalyst is provided, which includes nanoparticles having a composition represented by the following formula 1: PtxRuyTzQu ??formula 1 In the formula 1, the T-element is at least one selected from a group consisting of Mo, W and V and the Q-element is at least one selected from a group consisting of Nb, Cr, Zr and Ti, x is 40 to 90 at. %, y is 0 to 9.9 at. %, z is 3 to 70 at. % and u is 0.5 to 40 at. %. The area of the peak derived from oxygen bond of T-element is 80% or less of the area of the peak derived from metal bond of T-element in a spectrum measured by an X-ray photoelectron spectral method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Intematix Corporation
    Inventors: Wu Mei, Taishi Fukazawa, Itsuko Mizutani, Tsuyoshi Kobayashi, Yoshihiko Nakano, Mina Farag, Yi-Qun Li, Shinji Aoki
  • Patent number: 7833925
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing metal nanoparticles by mixing a metal precursor with a solvent to prepare a mixed solution, and radiating the mixed solution with an ion beam to reduce the metal precursor and produce the metal nanoparticles. In addition, when metal nanoparticles are prepared by using an ion beam, uniform-sized metal nanoparticles can be mass produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute
    Inventors: Myoung-Ki Min, Geun-Seok Chai, Soon-Ki Kang
  • Publication number: 20100279210
    Abstract: Nanostructured thin film catalysts which may be useful as fuel cell catalysts are provided, the catalyst materials including intermixed inorganic materials. In some embodiments the nanostructured thin film catalysts may include catalyst materials according to the formula PtxM(1-x) where x is between 0.3 and 0.9 and M is Nb, Bi, Re, Hf, Cu or Zr. The nanostructured thin film catalysts may include catalyst materials according to the formula PtaCobMc where a+b+c=1, a is between 0.3 and 0.9, b is greater than 0.05, c is greater than 0.05, and M is Au, Zr, or Ir. The nanostructured thin film catalysts may include catalyst materials according to the formula PtaTibQc where a+b+c=1, a is between 0.3 and 0.9, b is greater than 0.05, c is greater than 0.05, and Q is C or B.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Mark K. Debe, Radoslav Atanasoski, Susan M. Hendricks, Jeffery R. Dahn, David A. Stevens, Arnd Garsuch, Robert J. Sanderson
  • Patent number: 7824818
    Abstract: In a fuel cell stack that is made by stacking unit cells in alternation with separators, lower edges of collector members that are in contact with oxygen electrodes of the unit cells project downward, providing projecting portions that project below lower edges of frames. Water-repellent regions are provided on lower edges of the projecting portions, facilitating shedding of water from the projecting portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Equos Research
    Inventors: Kenichi Katahira, Toshihiko Nonobe, Kouji Mogi
  • Publication number: 20100273093
    Abstract: A fuel cell catalyst is provided comprising nanostructured elements comprising microstructured support whiskers bearing a thin film of nanoscopic catalyst particles, where the thin film of nanoscopic catalyst particles is made by alternating application of first layers comprising catalyst material, such as platinum or a platinum alloy, and second layers comprising a vacuum sublimable organic molecular solid, such as an aromatic organic pigments such as perylene red or a pthalocyanine
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: Mark K. Debe, Jason A. Bender, David A. Sowatzke
  • Patent number: 7811714
    Abstract: A direct methanol fuel cell is described. The DMFC uses a solid electrolyte that prevents methanol crossover. Optional chemical barriers may be employed to prevent CO2 contamination of the electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Friedrich B. Prinz, Turgut M. Gür, Joon Hyung Shim
  • Publication number: 20100248086
    Abstract: A method for accurately evaluating the performance of fuel-cell electrode catalysts, a method of search for fuel-cell electrode catalysts having excellent performance, and fuel-cell electrode catalysts having new and excellent catalytic activity searched for by the above method. In a method for evaluating the performance of fuel-cell electrode catalysts composed of conductive carriers on which catalytic metal is supported, the oxygen atom adsorption energy on the catalytic metal surface obtained through a molecular simulation analysis is used as an indicator of the performance evaluation. Suitable catalysts consist of Pt—Au or Pt—Au—B, wherein B is one or more metal chosen from the group of chrome (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), rhodium (Rh) and palladium (Pd) and wherein the content of Au is 6 atom % or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kunihiro Nobuhara, Hideaki Kasai, Hiroshi Nakanishi, Wilson Agerico Tan Dino
  • Publication number: 20100248076
    Abstract: An electrode catalyst for fuel cells, a method of preparing the electrode catalyst, and a fuel cell including the electrode containing the electrode catalyst have been improved. The electrode catalyst includes a beryllium (Be) oxide catalyst, which oxidizes carbon monoxide included in a fuel gas into carbon dioxide, and a platinum (Pt) based catalyst. Thus, loss in catalytic activity of the Pt-based catalyst due to carbon monoxide is decreased, and the activity and life of the fuel cell including the electrode catalyst are improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyung-jung KWON, Chan-ho PAK, Kang-hee LEE
  • Patent number: 7803498
    Abstract: A nanostructured electrode comprising a conductive electrode substrate having a surface functional group, a catalytic nanoparticle stabilized by a covalently-bound ligand bearing a peripheral functional group capable of interacting to the surface functional group, and a material capable of binding to the peripheral functional group. The conductive electrode substrate can be chemically modified and the surface functional group can create a layer of charge or chemical reactivity. The conductive electrode substrate can be chemically or electrochemically modified to create a surface functional group via covalent grafting capable of supporting multilayer deposition to create a layer of charge or chemical reactivity on the surface. The nanoparticle can be a platinum nanoparticle with covalently bonded negatively-charged ligands and the bridging material can be a polyelectrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Walter J. Dressick, Cynthia N. Kostelansky, Terence L. Schull
  • Publication number: 20100216055
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, fuel cell includes an anode, into which an aqueous methanol solution is introduced as fuel, includes a current collector and a catalyst layer formed on the current collector, a cathode, into which an oxidizing agent is introduced, includes a current collector and a catalyst layer formed on the current collector, and an electrolyte membrane interposed between the catalyst layer of the anode and the catalyst layer of the cathode. The catalyst layer of at least one of the anode and the cathode contains carbon particles having pores on the surface thereof, catalyst microparticles which are supported by these carbon particles and are finer than the carbon particles, a perfluoroalkylsulfonic acid polymer and a high-molecular compound having a repeating unit of a high-molecular chain fixed to the surface of the carbon particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: Tomoaki Arimura