Pt/Pd electrocatalyst electrons for fuel cells

Patent · Tue Nov 03 04:00:00 EST 1981

OSTI ID:5111993

Stonehart, P

This invention relates to improved electrochemical cells and to novel electrodes for use therein. In particular, the present invention comprises a fuel cell used primarily for the consumption of impure hydrogen fuels containing carbon monoxide or carbonaceous fuels where the electrode in contact with the fuel is not substantially poisoned by carbon monoxide. The anode of the fuel cell comprises a Pd/Pt alloy supported on a graphitized or partially graphitized carbon material. Fuel cells which comprise as essential elements a fuel electrode, an oxidizing electrode, and an electrolyte between said electrodes are devices for the direct production of electricity through the electrochemical combustion of a fuel and oxidant. These devices are recognized for their high efficiency as energy conversion units, since unlike conventional combustion engines, they are not subject to the limitations of the Carnot heat cycle. It is the primary object of the present invention to provide an electrode having high electrochemical activity for an electrochemical cell. It is another object of the present invention to provide an electrode having an electro-catalyst which is highly resistant to the corrosive environment of an electrochemical cell.

• DOE Contract Number: AI01-80ET17088
• Assignee: Dept. of Energy
• Patent Number(s): None
• Application Number: ON: DE82020874
• OSTI ID: 5111993
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
300501* -- Fuel Cells-- Design & Development
CARBON
DESIGN
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTRODES
ELEMENTAL MINERALS
ELEMENTS
FUEL CELLS
GRAPHITE
METALS
MINERALS
NONMETALS
PALLADIUM
PLATINUM
PLATINUM METALS
TRANSITION ELEMENTS