Summary:
UCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a novel method to synthesize platinum-based catalysts with ultralow base transition metal-oxide content.
Background:
Ultrafine platinum (Pt)-based catalysts present a promising avenue for achieving exceptional fuel cell activity while minimizing base transition metal content. Decreasing the levels of base metals reduces leaching and associated cation poisoning, thereby ensuring robust fuel cell stability. Conventional Pt-based catalysts exhibit non-uniform size distribution and elevated base transition metal content. Additionally, the current fabrication procedures for these catalysts are encumbered by both substantial costs and time-intensive processes. Hence, the pursuit of an innovative and cost-efficient synthesis methodology is needed to generate Pt-based nanoparticle catalysts that foster high fuel cell activity and high stability.
Innovation:
Researchers from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a novel synthetic method for uniformly distributed ultrafine Pt-based catalyst with ultralow base transition metal-oxide content. The performance of the catalysts was evaluated in membrane electrode assemblies, where they showed significant improvement in oxygen reduction reaction mass activity compared to commercial Pt-based catalysts. The durability and power performance of the fuel cell catalysts surpasses the targets set by US Department of Energy.
Potential Applications:
- Fuel Cell
- Electric Vehicles
- Electronics
- Medical Devices
Advantages:
- High catalytic performance
- Significant improvement in durability
- Low voltage and power loss
- Ultralow transition metal oxide content
Development-To-Date:
First successful demonstration by synthesis of ultrafine Pt-based nanoparticles 2020-10-16
Publication:
https://samueli.ucla.edu/ucla-nanomaterials-engineer-wins-global-award-for-innovation-in-hydrogen-fuel-cells/
Reference:
UCLA Case No. 2023-026
Lead Inventor:
Yu Huang & Xiangfeng Duan