Making Catalytic Electrode, Process Only Patents (Class 502/101)
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Publication number: 20090111681Abstract: The invention describes the preparation of electrocatalysts, both anodic (aimed at the oxidation of the fuel) and cathodic (aimed at the reduction of the oxygen), based on mono- and plurimetallic carbon nitrides to be used in PEFC (Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells), DMFC (Direct methanol fuel cells) and H2 electrogenerators. The target of the invention is to obtain materials featuring a controlled metal composition based on carbon nitride clusters or on carbon nitride clusters supported on oxide-based ceramic materials. The preparation protocol consists of three steps. In the first the precursor is obtained through reactions of the type: a) sol-gel; b) gel-plastic; c) coagulation-flocculation-precipitation. The second step consists of the thermal treatments to decompose the precursors in an inert atmosphere leading to the production of the carbon nitrides. In the last step the chemical and electro-chemical activation of the electrocatalysts is performed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2007Publication date: April 30, 2009Applicant: UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI PADOVAInventors: Vito Di Noto, Enrico Negro, Sandra Lavina, Giuseppe Pace
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Publication number: 20090104497Abstract: A fuel electrode catalyst includes: a solid solution of platinum (Pt) and molybdenum (Mo), a crystal structure of the solid solution being a face-centered cubic structure, and a component ratio of the molybdenum (Mo) in the solid solution being from 10 atom % (at %) to 20 atom % (at %), and a method for producing a fuel electrode catalyst, includes: generating platinum hydrate and molybdenum oxide from chloroplatinic acid (H2PtCl6) and sodium molybdate dihydrate (Na2MoO4.2H2O); reducing the platinum hydrate and the molybdenum oxide; and therewith solid-solving molybdenum (Mo) into platinum (Pt).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2008Publication date: April 23, 2009Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventors: Yuji SASAKI, Takahiro Terada, Yasutada Nakagawa, Hirofumi Kan
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Publication number: 20090104498Abstract: An electrode catalyst layer for use in a fuel cell, the layer having a composite particle material in which catalyst particles are supported on conductive particles, a proton conductive polymer and a metal oxide, wherein said metal oxide is non-particulate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2008Publication date: April 23, 2009Applicant: ASAHI KASEI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masanobu WAKIZOE, Naoto MIYAKE
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Publication number: 20090105067Abstract: The innovation here proposed describes a process for obtaining preferentially aqueous suspensions to produce core-shell type (nano) composites of hydrophilic polymers and their application to fabricate suspensions with high content of solids to generate electrodes for solid state electrocatalytic devices (such as solid oxide fuel cells, oxide membrane reactors and other electrocatalytic devices) and/or surface modified electrodes, through the insertion of metallic ions in the hydration water of these (nano) composites in a previous step to that of the ceramic processing (calcination and sintering).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2007Publication date: April 23, 2009Inventors: Paulo Emilio Valadao De Miranda, Pedro Ricchini Villa Lobos
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Publication number: 20090099009Abstract: To provide a production process of an electrode catalyst for fuel cell whose initial voltage is high and whose endurance characteristics, especially, whose voltage drop being caused by high-potential application is less. A production process according to the present invention of an electrode catalyst for fuel cell is characterized in that: it includes: a dispersing step of dispersing a conductive support in a solution; a loading step of dropping a platinum-salt solution, a base-metal-salt solution and an iridium-salt solution to the resulting dispersion liquid, thereby loading respective metallic salts on the conductive support as hydroxides under an alkaline condition; and an alloying step of heating the conductive support with metallic hydroxides loaded in a reducing atmosphere to reduce them, thereby alloying them.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2008Publication date: April 16, 2009Inventors: Hiroaki Takahashi, Sozaburo Ohashi, Tetsuo Kawamura, Yousuke Horiuchi, Toshiharu Tabata, Tomoaki Terada, Takahiro Nagata, Susumu Enomoto
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Publication number: 20090092888Abstract: To enhance the activation of a catalyst comprising an alloy of platinum and cobalt, thereby providing an electrode catalyst for fuel cell whose battery output and fuel efficiency are high, and thereby providing a production process of the same. An electrode catalyst according to the present invention for fuel cell is an electrode catalyst for fuel cell in which catalytic particles comprising platinum and cobalt are loaded on a conductive support, and is characterized in that a compositional (molar) ratio of said catalytic particles is platinum:cobalt=3:1-5:1: In the range of platinum:cobalt=3:1-5:1, a high battery voltage is obtainable. When the proportion of platinum is less than platinum: cobalt=3:1, the elution of cobalt from out of catalyst increases. On the contrarily, when the proportion of platinum is more than platinum: cobalt=5:1, the catalytic activities become low.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2008Publication date: April 9, 2009Inventors: Hiroaki Takahashi, Sozaburo Ohashi, Tetsuo Kawamura, Yousuke Horiuchi, Takahiro Nagata, Tomoaki Terada, Toshiharu Tabata, Susumu Enomoto
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Patent number: 7510819Abstract: A thin film solid oxide fuel cell (TFSOFC) having a porous metallic anode and a porous cathode is provided. The fuel cell is formed by using a continuous metal foil as a substrate onto which is deposited a thin anode metal layer which is then patterned to reveal an array of pores in the anode. A dense thin film electrolyte is then deposited onto the porous anode layer overcoating the anode and filling the anode pores. The substrate foil layer is then removed to allow for exposure of the porous anode/electrolyte to fuel. The cathode is then formed on the electrolyte by depositing a cathode thin film cap using known film deposition techniques. Further processing may be used to increase the porosity of the electrodes. The metal foil may be treated to have an atomically ordered surface, which makes possible an atomically ordered anode and atomically ordered thin film electrolyte for improved performance.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2006Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Board of Regents, University of HoustonInventors: Xin Chen, Naijuan Wu, Alex Ignatiev, Yuxiang Zhou
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Publication number: 20090081515Abstract: A supported catalyst includes: a particulate first carbon material; and a particulate second carbon material supporting a catalyst, having a smaller center particle diameter than the first carbon material, and adsorbed on a surface of the first carbon material.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2008Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventors: Yukihiro Shibata, Naoya Hayamizu, Jun Momma, Hideo Oota
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Publication number: 20090081510Abstract: A supported catalyst includes: a catalyst; and a carbon body. The catalyst is supported on the carbon body, and the carbon body is linear.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2008Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventors: Naoya Hayamizu, Yukihiro Shibata, Masashi Yamage, Jun Momma, Hideo Oota
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Publication number: 20090081494Abstract: The present invention relates to the resultant products, the method and apparatus to produce electrochemical cell parts using a material deposition process or processes and specially developed inks appropriate to the specific application requirements at each location on the bipolar plate and can include the gas diffusion layer and the specific deposition of the catalyst and the seals.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2008Publication date: March 26, 2009Inventor: Daniel T. Buckley
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Patent number: 7507687Abstract: Electrocatalyst powders and methods for producing electrocatalyst powders, such as carbon composite electrocatalyst powders. The powders have a well-controlled microstructure and morphology. The method includes forming the particles from an aerosol of precursors by heating the aerosol to a relatively low temperature, such as not greater than about 400° C.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2001Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Cabot CorporationInventors: Toivo T. Kodas, Mark J. Hampden-Smith, Plamen Atanassov, Klaus Kunze, Paul Napolitano, Rimple Bhatia, David Dericotte, Paolina Atanassova
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Publication number: 20090068545Abstract: Disclosed is a novel cellulose electrode having high performance, which is capable of substituting for carbon paper used as a conventional fuel cell electrode. A method of manufacturing the cellulose electrode includes cutting cellulose fibers to a predetermined length and binding the fibers, or directly weaving the fibers, thus producing a cellulose sheet, directly growing carbon nanotubes on the cellulose sheet, and supporting a platinum nano-catalyst on the surface of the carbon nanotubes using chemical vapor deposition. An electrode including the cellulose fibers and use of cellulose fibers as fuel cell electrodes are also provided. As a novel functional material for fuel cell electrodes, porous cellulose fibers having micropores are used, thereby reducing electrode manufacturing costs and improving electrode performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2008Publication date: March 12, 2009Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF ENERGY RESEARCHInventors: Hee Yeon KIM, Seong Ok HAN, Hong Soo KIM, Nam Jo JEONG
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Publication number: 20090068527Abstract: This invention intends to improve the catalyst efficiency by sufficiently providing a triple phase boundary where reaction gas, catalysts, and electrolytes meet in carbon nanohorns. With the utilization of the resulting MEA, the electrode reactions are allowed to effectively proceed, and the power generation efficiency of a fuel cell is improved to result in a solid polymer fuel cell with excellent properties. Such solid polymer fuel cell comprises electrodes having a catalyst layer comprising: a carrier comprising a carbon nanohorn aggregate; catalytic metals supported on the carrier comprising a carbon nanohorn aggregate; and polymer electrolytes coating the carrier comprising a carbon nanohorn aggregate, wherein the proportion of the polymer electrolyte to the carbon nanohorn aggregate is 0.32:1 to 0.70:1 by weight.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2007Publication date: March 12, 2009Inventors: Sreekumar Kurungot, Hirokazu Ishimaru
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Publication number: 20090068541Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a method including providing a cathode catalyst ink comprising a first catalyst, an oxygen evolution reaction catalyst, and a solvent; and depositing the cathode catalyst ink on one of a polymer electrolyte membrane, a gas diffusion medium layer, or a decal backing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2008Publication date: March 12, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Susan G. Yan, Hubert A. Gasteiger, Paul Taichiang Yu, Wenbin Gu, Jingxin Zhang
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Publication number: 20090069172Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to ternary and/or quaternary catalyst alloys for a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). The catalyst has the composition (Pt1-xRux)yM?zM?1-y-z, where M? is selected from the group consisting of W, Mo, Nb, and Ta; M? is selected from the group consisting of V, Co, Ni, Mn, and Cu; x ranges from about 0 to about 1; y ranges from about 0.01 to about 0.99; and y+z is about equal to 1. The catalyst may be deposited onto a porous carrier, and the deposition method may include ion-beam sputtering. The onset voltages of the present compositions are lower than that of conventional Pt—Ru binary systems by approximately 0.355 volts, and thus provide enhanced catalytic activity.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2008Publication date: March 12, 2009Applicant: INTEMATIX CORPORATIONInventors: Mina Touma Farag, Yi-Qun Li
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Publication number: 20090069173Abstract: A supporting method for supporting a metal particle including at least two elements on a surface of a plurality of granular supports in a decompression device, the supporting method supporting the metal particle whose particle diameter being smaller than a grain size of the granular support comprises holding the plurality of granular supports in a container and rotating a stirring device and/or the container, a stirring period in which the relative position among the plurality of granular supports are changed and a non-stirring period in which the relative position among the plurality of granular supports are not changed being altered by the rotating, wherein the decompression device comprises, an evaporation source for evaporating elements to form an alloy particle, the container for holding the plurality of granular supports in the decompression device so that a relative position among granular supports is able to be changed, a rotating device for rotating the container and the stirring device disposed in tType: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2008Publication date: March 12, 2009Inventors: Mutsuki YAMAZAKI, Kohei NAKAYAMA, Yoshihiko NAKANO, Wu Mei
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Publication number: 20090061286Abstract: The cathode catalyst for a fuel cell includes PdM where M is a metal selected from the group consisting of Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, and combinations thereof. The average distance between the Pd atoms ranges from 2.72 to 2.73 ?, the average distance between the Pd and M atoms ranges from 2.63 to 2.67 ?, and the average distance between the M atoms ranges from 2.63 to 2.67 ?. The cathode catalyst is relatively cheaper but has excellent activity compared with a Pt catalyst.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Inventors: Alexey Alexandrovichserov, Chan Kwak, Soon-Cheol Shin
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Patent number: 7498097Abstract: In order to prevent the crossover of an organic fuel such as methanol in a fuel cell and to exhibit excellent electricity generation characteristics without impairing the utilization efficiency of the fuel, at least either of (1) a discontinuous catalyst layer being formed on a surface of an anode catalyst layer and having a higher density (existence probability) of platinum type catalyst than the anode catalyst layer and (2) an electrolyte polymer layer is formed at the interface between the anode catalyst layer and a polymer electrolyte membrane.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2004Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Hideyuki Ueda, Takashi Akiyama, Kohji Yuasa, Yukihiro Okada, Satoshi Shibutani
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Patent number: 7498286Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus, system and method for screening and making one or more electrocatalysts, electrocatalyst arrays, electrodes and catalysts for an oxygen reduction reaction with a Group VIII noble metal in contact with a component-M o form a Group VIII noble metal-M alloy, wherein component-M is one or more metals selected from Groups IIIA, IVA, VIII, IB, IIB, VB, VIB, VIIB and VIIIB of the Periodic Table.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2005Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Arumugam Manthiram, Raghuveer Vadari, Allen J. Bard
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Publication number: 20090047559Abstract: An object of the present invention is to further increase the rate of Pt particles (Pt utilization rate) for three-phase interfaces in order to reduce the amount of catalytic metal such as Pt used for fuel cells. The present invention provides a fuel cell electrode catalyst comprising a conductive carrier and catalytic metal particles, wherein an average particle size of the carried catalytic metal particles is larger than an average pore size of micropores in the conductive carrier.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2007Publication date: February 19, 2009Inventors: Tomoaki Terada, Takahiro Nagata, Toshiharu Tabata, Susumu Enomoto, Hideyasu Kawai, Hiroaki Takahashi
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Publication number: 20090047568Abstract: A flooding phenomenon in a high current density loading region of fuel cells is suppressed so as to improve cell performance. An electrode catalyst for fuel cells comprises conductive carriers having ternary catalyst particles, which contain platinum, a base metal element, and iridium, supported thereon. A fuel cell uses the electrode catalyst for fuel cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2005Publication date: February 19, 2009Inventors: Hideyasu Kawai, Hiroaki Takahashi, Katsushi Saito, Tomoaki Terada, Takahiro Nagata
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Publication number: 20090035640Abstract: Pt-loaded carbon particles loaded with a catalyst (platinum: Pt) according to a suitable catalyst loading method, such as a colloid method, are subjected to an aldehyde treatment or an acid treatment, or the like, so that hydroxyl groups are introduced into surfaces of the Pt-loaded carbon particles. Then, (1,1-diphenyl-4-pentenyl) benzene containing a benzene group as a hydrophobic functional group is chemically bound to carbon particle sites into which the hydroxyl groups have been introduced, through radical polymerization. The (1,1-diphenyl-4-pentenyl) benzene has a high-volume molecular structure, and the benzene groups as the hydrophobic functional groups exist above surface regions of the Pt-loaded carbon particles on which the catalyst particles are not supported, so as to repel water from the Pt-loaded carbon particles.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2008Publication date: February 5, 2009Inventor: Takeshi Obata
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Publication number: 20090029216Abstract: Provided is a method for suppressing corrosion of a carbon material, which acts as a carrier in a catalyst layer of PEFC. The present invention relates to an electrode catalyst produced by subjecting a carbon material having a noble metal catalyst supported thereon to heat treatment under inert gas atmosphere.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2006Publication date: January 29, 2009Inventor: Shinji Yamamoto
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Publication number: 20090023032Abstract: An electrolyte-dispersed solution for forming an electrode is prepared by dispersing carbon particles loaded with a PtCo catalyst and an electrolyte containing a Pt catalyst are dispersed in a solvent. In the process of dispersion, the Pt-catalyst containing Nafion becomes close to the PtCo-catalyst-loaded carbon particles. In the electrode formed through coating and drying of the electrolyte-dispersed solution, the solvent disappears, and thus the Pt-catalyst containing Nafion is deposited on a predominant region of a surface of each carbon particle on which the PtCo catalyst is not supported. Thus, each of the carbon particles contained in the electrode, on which the PtCo catalyst has been loaded, is also loaded, via Nafion, with the Pt catalyst contained in Nafion, at regions of the carbon particle where the PtCo catalyst is not supported.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2008Publication date: January 22, 2009Inventor: Takeshi OBATA
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Publication number: 20090023018Abstract: Disclosed are a multi-layered electrode for fuel cell and a method for producing the same, wherein the electrode can be operated under non-humidification and normal temperature, the flooding of the electrode catalyst layer can be prevented, and the long-term operation characteristic can be increased due to the prevention of the loss of the electrode catalyst layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2005Publication date: January 22, 2009Applicant: Korea Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: In Hwan Oh, Eun Ae Cho, Hyoung-Juhn Kim, Heung Yong Ha, Seong Ahn Hong, Tae Hoon Lim, Suk-Woo Nam, Sung Pil Yoon, Jonghee Han, Jaeyoung Lee, Hyung Chul Hahm
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Publication number: 20090023033Abstract: A method for manufacturing a catalyst-supporting carrier composed of a catalyst-supporting carbon and a polyelectrolyte, and including a carbon having pores to support a catalyst, introducing a functional group functioning as a polymerization initiator to the surface and/or in the pores of the catalyst-supporting carbon, introducing an electrolyte monomer and thereby grafting it onto the catalyst supporting carbon carrier for polymerizing by radical polymerization, and hydrolyzing at least part of the polymerized polyelectrolyte by a strong alkali. By using this catalyst-supporting carrier, electrode reaction is effectively facilitated, and the fuel-cell electrical efficiency can be improved. Further, an electrode having excellent properties and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell provided with such electrode and capable of obtaining high cell output are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2007Publication date: January 22, 2009Inventors: Akira Tsujiko, Masahiro Ueda
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Patent number: 7476460Abstract: A thin metal oxide film includes a solution of one or more metal salts and one or more water soluble polymers. A mechanism is provided for converting the metal salt(s) and water soluble polymer(s) solution into the thin metal oxide film.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2003Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Christopher C. Beatty, David Punsalan
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Publication number: 20090011320Abstract: The catalyst-supporting powder is in form of an agglomerate formed by agglomeration of a fluorine atom-containing polymer material, a catalyst metal, a cation exchange resin, and a carbon material and the polymer material is contained in the inside of the agglomerate.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2006Publication date: January 8, 2009Applicant: GS YUASA CORPORATIONInventor: Yui Senda
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Patent number: 7473481Abstract: A photocatalytic reactor, capable of generating an electric current by consumption of a fuel containing organic material, comprises a direct oxidation fuel cell including an anode and a cathode. The anode is a photocatalysis-assisted anode which comprises a photocatalyst on a surface of an electrically-conductive substrate so arranged as to be receptive to light. A light-transmissive proton-conductive membrane is arranged between the anode and the cathode, such that light passes through said membrane as a final stage in the optical path to the photocatalyst. The photocatalyst promotes oxidation of organic material and generates electron-hole pairs. The reactor, configured to support multiple cells in a stacked array, is provided with inlet(s) for introducing said fuel and connector(s) for connection to an external electrical circuit.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2004Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: The University Court of the University of AberdeenInventor: Donald Elliot MacPhee
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Publication number: 20090005237Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing electrode catalyst materials for a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), and particularly to a high-performance platinum-non-platinum mixed electrode catalyst (Pt—RuOs/C) having a physically mixed structure of RuOs alloy and platinum materials, which is prepared by adding a small amount of platinum (Pt) to RuOs alloy materials highly dispersed on a carbon support, where the amount of platinum used is drastically reduced as compared to the conventional platinum materials, thus lowering the manufacturing cost.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2007Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Nak Hyun Kwon, Yung Eun Sung, In Su Park, Yong Hun Cho, In Chul Hwang, Il Hee Cho
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Publication number: 20090004564Abstract: A composite negative electrode active material including silicon oxide particles represented by SiOx (0.05<x<1.95) capable of charging and discharging lithium, carbon nanofibers (CFN) bonded to the surface of the silicon oxide particles and a catalyst element for promoting the growth of carbon nanofiber. For example, Au, Ag, Pt, Ru, Ir, Cu, Fe, Co, Ni, Mo or Mn is preferred as the catalyst element.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2005Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Sumihito Ishida, Hiroaki Matsuda, Hiroshi Yoshizawa
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Patent number: 7462575Abstract: Disclosed is a catalyst powder contained in an electrode, wherein the catalyst powder includes a catalytic substance supported on a conductive powder, the catalytic substance being comprised of at least a catalyst, the weight ratio of the catalytic substance to the catalyst powder is in the range of 55 to 75 wt %, and the areal density of the catalytic substance is in the range of 1 to 3 mg/cm2. Also disclosed is a catalyst electrode including a catalyst powder and a solid polymer electrolyte, the catalyst powder including a catalytic substance supported on a conductive powder, the catalytic substance being comprised of at least a catalyst, wherein the weight ratio of the catalytic substance to the catalyst powder is in the range of 55 to 75 wt %, and the areal density of the catalytic substance in the catalyst powder is in the range of 1 to 3 mg/cm2.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2004Date of Patent: December 9, 2008Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Hayato Hommura, Kenji Katori
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Publication number: 20080292943Abstract: A polymer dispersion comprising one or more proton-conducting polymer materials in a liquid medium, and an electrocatalyst ink comprising one or more electrocatalyst materials and one or more proton-conducting polymer materials in a liquid medium are disclosed. The polymer dispersion and the electrocatalyst ink further comprise a protic acid. Electrocatalyst layers, gas diffusion electrodes, catalysed membranes and membrane electrode assemblies prepared using the dispersion and/or the ink are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2006Publication date: November 27, 2008Applicant: JOHNSON MATTHEY PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANYInventors: Dharshini Chryshantha Fongalland, Pamela Kapila, Chandresh Nemchand Malde, Michael Ian Petch
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Publication number: 20080286632Abstract: Membrane Electrode Assemblies for Polymer Electrolyte Hydrogen and Direct Methanol Fuel Cells and Methods for Their Production Electrodes and membrane electrode assemblies for use in fuel cells are provided containing a plurality of layers of catalyst and binder, wherein the first layer (2a, 2b) adjacent to the PEM (1) of the plurality of layers (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b) contains a higher concentration of catalyst as compared to each subsequent layer of the electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2006Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventors: Madeleine Odgaard, Peter Lund, Steen Yde-Andersen
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Publication number: 20080280190Abstract: A composition useful in electrodes provides higher power capability through the use of nanoparticle catalysts present in the composition. Nanoparticles of transition metals are preferred such as manganese, nickel, cobalt, iron, palladium, ruthenium, gold, silver, and lead, as well as alloys thereof, and respective oxides. These nanoparticle catalysts can substantially replace or eliminate platinum as a catalyst for certain electrochemical reactions. Electrodes, used as anodes, cathodes, or both, using such catalysts have applications relating to metal-air batteries, hydrogen fuel cells (PEMFCs), direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), direct oxidation fuel cells (DOFCs), and other air or oxygen breathing electrochemical systems as well as some liquid diffusion electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2006Publication date: November 13, 2008Inventors: Robert Brian Dopp, Kimberly McGrath, R. Douglas Carpenter
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Publication number: 20080280753Abstract: [Problem] To provide a method for producing an electrocatalyst having no compositional scatter, wherein nano-level alloy catalyst molecules with an ordered particle size are supported in a highly dispersed state. [Means of Solution] The method includes the steps of preparing a reverse micelle solution by mixing two or more catalyst precursors selected from among metal salts and/or metal complexes, a solvent having hydrophilic groups and a non-aqueous solvent, forming alloy particles in the reverse micelle by adding a non-aqueous solution having a reducing action to the reverse micelle and heating, and supporting the alloy particles on a carrier.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2005Publication date: November 13, 2008Applicant: YAMANASHI UNIVERSITYInventors: Masahiro Watanabe, Hiroyuki Uchida
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Publication number: 20080274392Abstract: A method for manufacturing a catalyst layer for a fuel cell support for a catalyst layer comprises the steps of vapor-growing a carbonaceous porous material having a nano-size structure, such as carbon nanowalls (CNWs), and supporting and dispersing a catalyst component and/or an electrolyte component on the support for a catalyst layer. The method simplifies the process for manufacturing an electrode layer for fuel cells and improves the dispersibility of the catalyst component and the electrolyte, whereby the generation efficiency of a fuel cell can be improved.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2006Publication date: November 6, 2008Inventors: Masaru Hori, Mineo Hiramatsu, Hiroyuki Kano, Satoshi Yoshida, Yukihisa Katayama, Toru Sugiyama
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Publication number: 20080274387Abstract: The present invention provides a gas diffusion electrode capable of sufficiently preventing not only degradation of MEA during storage but also degradation of initial characteristics and durability during the time period from production to initial use, and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell including the gas diffusion electrode. The gas diffusion electrode includes a catalyst layer in which A1 representing a total mass of organic substance comprising alcohol, a partial oxide of the alcohol, a product of intramolecular dehydrogenation reaction of the alcohol, a product of intermolecular condensation reaction of the alcohol, a product of intermolecular condensation reaction between the alcohol and the partial oxide and a product of intermolecular condensation reaction of the partial oxide, E1 representing a total mass of carbon powder and G1 representing a total mass of cation exchange resin are controlled to satisfy {100×A1/(E1+G1)}?0.05.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2005Publication date: November 6, 2008Applicant: HUF HULSBECK & GMBH & CO.KGInventors: Yoshihiro Hori, Mikiko Yoshimura, Yoichiro Tsuji, Takeshi Yonamine, Masaki Yamauchi
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Patent number: 7445742Abstract: A method and mold for creating nanoscale patterns in an ion-selective polymer membrane is provided, in which a mold comprising a substrate and a molding layer having at least one protruding feature is imprinted on the ion-selective polymer membrane, thereby creating a recessed feature in the membrane. Protruding features having nanoscale dimensions can be created, e.g., by using self-assembled nanostructures as a shadow mask for etching a molding layer. In one embodiment, an imprinted ion selective polymer membrane, suitable for use as a solid electrolyte, is adapted for use in an electrochemical device or fuel cell by adding a metal catalyst to one portion of the membrane to serve as a catalytic electrode.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2003Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Yong Chen, David Hacklernan, Laurie S. Mittelstadt, Yoocham Jeon, Richard Stanley Williams
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Patent number: 7435495Abstract: Disclosed is the use of liquid precursor materials to prepare a processible polymeric electrolyte, which can be used to form a proton exchange membrane for use in an electrochemical cell. Also disclosed is the use of liquid precursor materials to prepare a processible catalyst ink composition, which can be conformally applied to a proton exchange membrane and an electrode material for use in an electrochemical cell. Also disclosed is the use of a photocurable perfluoropolyether (PFPE) material to form a microfluidic electrochemical cell.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2005Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillInventors: Joseph M. DeSimone, Jennifer Y. Kelly, Jason P. Rolland, Zhillian Zhou, Ginger M. Denison, Raymond Dominey
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Publication number: 20080248944Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst ink for producing membrane-electrode assemblies for polymer electrolyte fuel cells which comprises, apart from the customary components catalyst material, acidic ionomer and solvent, an additive component comprising at least one low molecular weight organic compound which comprises at least two basic nitrogen atoms. The invention further relates to processes for producing such catalyst inks and their use for producing membrane-electrode assemblies for polymer electrolyte fuel cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2006Publication date: October 9, 2008Applicant: BASF SEInventors: Sven Thate, Sigmar Brauninger
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Publication number: 20080248372Abstract: A fuel cell catalyst includes a platinum-iron (Pt—Fe) alloy having an ordered or disordered face-centered cubic structure or face-centered tetragonal structure. The face-centered cubic structure has a lattice constant ranging from about 3.820 ? to about 3.899 ? (or from about 3.862 ? to about 3.880 ?), and the face-centered tetragonal structure has a first lattice constant ranging from about 3.800 ? to about 3.880 ? (or from about 3.810 ? to about 3.870 ?) and a second lattice constant ranging from about 3.700 ? to about 3.810 ? (or from about 3.710 ? to about 3.800 ?). A membrane-electrode assembly can improve cell performance by including the above catalyst having the relatively high activity and selectivity for an oxidant reduction in at least one of an anode or a cathode, and can increase lifespan by inhibiting catalyst poisoning.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2007Publication date: October 9, 2008Inventors: Myoung-Ki MIN, Chan-Hee PARK, Chan KWAK, Alexey ALEXANDROVICHSEROV, Go-Ul CHOI, Geun-Seok CHAI
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Patent number: 7432221Abstract: Disclosed is an electrocatalyst for fuel cells, in which a porous carbon material including pores having a diameter smaller than a kinetic diameter of carbon monoxide is used as a support body and contact probability between an activated metal and carbon monoxide is decreased, thereby preventing fuel cell performance from being degraded by carbon monoxide. The electrocatalyst is obtained by adsorbing 10-80 parts by weight of an activated metal to 20-90 parts by weight of a porous support body, characterized in that the porous support body has a total surface area of 200-2,500 m2/g including an outer surface thereof and an inner surface of pores thereof, and has a plurality of pores penetrating into an interior of the support body with an average diameter of 2-15 nm and a total volume of 0.4-2.0 m3/g, and the activated metal is alloyed with 20-95 at % of platinum and 5-80 at % of one metal selected from among Ru, Sn, Os, Rh, Ir, Pd, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Fe and Mn.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2003Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: Korea Institute of Energy ResearchInventors: Chang-Soo Kim, Young-Gi Kim, Wong-Yong Lee, Gu-Gon Park, Tae-Hyun Yang
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Publication number: 20080241642Abstract: A catalyst formulation for an organic fuel cell includes a noble metal and an admetal. The catalyst formulation can include a noble metal and an admetal in a heterogeneous mixture or a solid solution with up to about 90% degree of alloying. The admetal can encourage the oxidation of catalyst poisons at room temperature and therefore reduces the exhaustion of the fuel cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2007Publication date: October 2, 2008Inventors: Coca Iordache, Sharon Blair, Derek Lycke, Sean Huff
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Publication number: 20080241640Abstract: A photocatalytic metal deposition process and a resulting nanocomposite are described. The nanocomposite includes an electrically conducting carbonaceous material, a photoactive metal oxide and a metal. Metals for deposition include noble metals, metal alloys and other transition metals in which the metal is laid down precisely and in a predetermined fashion on one or more surfaces of a composite. Deposition provides a high performance electrocatalyst for a number of suitable applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2008Publication date: October 2, 2008Applicant: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEMInventors: Krishnan Rajeshwar, Norma Tacconi, C.R. Chenthamarakshan, Wesley Wampler, Thomas F. Carlson, Wen-Yuan Lin
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Publication number: 20080214389Abstract: The invention relates to a carbon-supported PtRu anode catalyst for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) which has a platinum/ruthenium content in the range from 80 to 98 wt. %, preferably in the range from 85 to 98 wt. %, particularly preferably in the range from 85 to 95 wt. % (based on the total weight of the catalyst), on a carbon-based electrically conductive support material and has a mean particle size of less than 3 nm. The catalyst is prepared using a carbon black support material having a specific surface area (measured by the BET method) in the range from 1000 to 2000 m2/g by means of a reduction process using chemical reducing agents with addition of organic acids. Electrodes and membrane-electrode units containing the catalyst according to the invention having a high precious metal loading have an electrode layer thickness of less than 80 ?m at a PtRu loading per unit area of the electrode of from 6 to 12 mg of PtRu/cm and lead to improved electric power in direct methanol fuel cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2005Publication date: September 4, 2008Inventors: Marco Lopez, Peter Biberbach
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Patent number: 7419741Abstract: A fuel cell cathode catalyst is provided which comprises nanostructured elements comprising microstructured support whiskers bearing nanoscopic catalyst particles. The nanoscopic catalyst particles are made by the alternating application of first and second layers, the first layer comprising platinum and the second layer being an alloy or intimate mixture of iron and a second metal selected from the group consisting of Group VIb metals, Group VIIb metals and Group VIIIb metals other than platinum and iron, where the atomic ratio of iron to the second metal in the second layer is between 0 and 10, where the planar equivalent thickness ratio of the first layer to the second layer is between 0.3 and 5, and wherein the average bilayer planar equivalent thickness of the first and second layers is less than 100 ?.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2003Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: George D. Vernstrom, Radoslav Atanasoski, Mark K. Debe, Gregory M. Haugen, Krzysztof A. Lewinski, Andrew J. L. Steinbach
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Patent number: 7419546Abstract: A method for forming a noble metal coating on a gas diffusion medium substantially free of ionomeric components comprising subjecting an electrically conductive web to a first ion beam having an energy not higher than 500 eV, then to a second beam having an energy of at least 500 eV, containing the ions of at least one noble metal and electrodes provided by the method.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: BASF Fuel Cell GmbHInventors: Andrea F. Gulla, Robert J. Allen, Emory De Castro, Enrico Ramunni
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Patent number: 7419740Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for polymer electrolyte fuel cells consisting of a polymer electrolyte membrane, both faces of which are in contact with porous reaction layers and gas distributor layers. The reaction layers contain noble metal catalysts supported on carbon and a proton-conducting polymer, a so-called ionomer. At least one of the two reaction layers also contains a noble metal black.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2001Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Unicore AG & Co. KGInventors: Matthias Binder, Ralf Zuber, Markus Vogt, Gerhard Heinz
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Publication number: 20080206625Abstract: A fuel cell includes a reaction layer composed of a catalyst carrier, formed of a compound having inorganic electron conductor units and inorganic proton conductor units in its molecular structure, and a catalyst supported on the catalyst carrier.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2005Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicant: Kabushikikaisha Equos ResearchInventor: Norifumi Hasegawa