Fuel cell anode based on a disordered catalytic material

Patent · Tue Dec 11 04:00:00 EST 1984

OSTI ID:5916341

Oushinsky, S R; Reger, A; Sapru, K

An anode for hydrogen oxidation in a fuel cell is formed from a host matrix including at least one transition element which is structurally modified by the incorporation of at least one modifier element to improve its catalytic properties. The catalytic body is based on a disordered non-equilibrium material designed to have a high density of catalytically active sites, resistance to poisoning, and long operating life. Modifier elements, including Ti, Mo, Zr, Mg, V, Si or Al, structurally modify the local chemical environments of a nickel or other transition element host matrix to form the catalytic materials of the anode. The improved low over-voltage catalytic materials of the anode of the present invention increase the operating efficiencies of fuel cells employing such anodes. The catalytic materials can be deposited as a layer on the surface of porous electrode substrates to form a gas diffusion anode or can be formed as a gas diffusion electrode.

• Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices Inc.
• Patent Number(s): US 4487818
• OSTI ID: 5916341
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
300503* -- Fuel Cells-- Materials
Components
& Auxiliaries
ALKALINE EARTH METALS
ALUMINIUM
ANODES
CATALYTIC EFFECTS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
DIFFUSION
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTRODES
ELEMENTS
FUEL CELLS
GASEOUS DIFFUSION
HYDROGEN
HYDROGEN FUEL CELLS
MAGNESIUM
METALS
MOLYBDENUM
NONMETALS
OXIDATION
PERFORMANCE
SEMIMETALS
SERVICE LIFE
SILICON
TITANIUM
TRANSITION ELEMENT COMPOUNDS
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
VANADIUM
ZIRCONIUM