Extended Platinum Nanotubes as Fuel Cell Catalysts

Conference · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 2012

OSTI ID:1087211

Alia, S.; Pivovar, B. S.; Yan, Y.

Energy consumption has relied principally on fossil fuels as an energy source; fuel cells, however, can provide a clean and sustainable alternative, an answer to the depletion and climate change concerns of fossil fuels. Within proton exchange membrane fuel cells, high catalyst cost and poor durability limit the commercial viability of the device. Recently, platinum nanotubes (PtNTs) were studied as durable, active catalysts, providing a platform to meet US Department of Energy vehicular activity targets.[1] Porous PtNTs were developed to increase nanotube surface area, improving mass activity for oxygen reduction without sacrificing durability.[2] Subsurface platinum was then replaced with palladium, forming platinum-coated palladium nanotubes.[3] By forming a core shell structure, platinum utilization was increased, reducing catalyst cost. Alternative substrates have also been examined, modifying platinum surface facets and increasing oxygen reduction specific activity. Through modification of the PtNT platform, catalyst limitations can be reduced, ensuring a commercially viable device.

• Research Organization: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO.
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Fuel Cell Technologies Program
• DOE Contract Number: AC36-08GO28308
• OSTI ID: 1087211
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
Hydrogen Technologies and Systems