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X-ray absorption and electrochemical studies of direct methanol fuel cell catalysts

Conference ·
OSTI ID:462894
In order for polymer electrolyte fuel cells to operate directly on methanol instead of hydrogen, methanol oxidation must be catalyzed in the acidic cell environment. Pt-Ru and Pt-Ru oxide are considered to be the most active catalysts for this purpose; Ru enhances the Pt activity for reasons not yet fully understood. XAS and electrochemical techniques were used to study this enhancement. Preliminary results indicate that Ru does effect the d-band occupancy of Pt, which in turn may effect the kinetics of the methanol oxidation reaction on this metal by altering the strength of the Pt-CO bond. Further research is needed.
Research Organization:
Argonne National Lab., IL (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
W-31109-ENG-38
OSTI ID:
462894
Report Number(s):
ANL/CMT/CP--89671; CONF-961107--5; ON: DE97003891
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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