Non-noble metal catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction
AssigneeBallard Power Systems Inc.
InventorStephen A Campbell
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Abstract
Non-noble metal transition metal catalysts can replace platinum in the oxidation reduction reaction (ORR) used in electrochemical fuel cells. A RuxSe catalyst is prepared with comparable catalytic activity to platinum. An environmentally friendly aqueous synthetic pathway to this catalyst is also presented. Using the same aqueous methodology, ORR catalysts can be prepared where Ru is replaced by Mo, Fe, Co, Cr, Ni and/or W. Similarly Se can be replaced by S.
Claims19
A method for preparing a non-noble transition metal catalyst for the oxidation reduction reaction comprising:
- dissolving selenium and Ru3(CO)12 in an organic solvent;
- refluxing the organic solvent;
- obtaining a precipitate;
- and
- heating the precipitate to a temperature greater than or equal to 600° C. under an inert atmosphere.
A method for preparing a non-noble transition metal catalyst for the oxidation reduction reaction comprising:
- dissolving a metal salt in an aqueous solution, the metal is ruthenium, molybdenum, iron, cobalt, chromium, nickel or tungsten;
- precipitating the metal;
- introducing a chalcogen, the chalcogen being sulfur or selenium;
- and
- reacting the precipitated metal with the chalcogen by heating under an inert atmosphere.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.