Summary:
UCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a method to synthesize uniform Pt-based catalyst nanoparticles with ultralow base transition metal content for fuel cell applications.
Background:
Ultrafine platinum (Pt)-based catalysts with ultralow base transition metal content can provide high fuel cell activity while minimizing base metal leaching and the corresponding cation poisoning effect, thereby ensuring high fuel cell stability. However, current Pt-based catalysts lack uniform size distribution and have high base transition metal content. Furthermore, fabrication processes of Pt-based catalysts are costly and time consuming. Therefore, there is a need for a new cost-effective synthesis method to produce Pt-based nanoparticle catalysts that promote high fuel cell activity.
Innovation:
UCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a method to synthesize uniformly distributed Pt-based catalyst nanoparticles with ultralow base transition metal content. The technology allows nanoparticle sizes to be controlled while ensuring sufficient utilization of the metal precursor to minimize waste. Moreover, the developed Pt-based catalyst demonstrated high fuel cell activity, minimum base metal leaching, and high durability compared to typical commercial Pt-based catalysts. The new synthesis method and catalyst show potential to tackle the major challenges of cost and durability in practical fuel cell applications.
Potential Applications:
- Fuel cells
- Electronics
- Medical devices
Advantages:
- Uniform nanoparticle synthesis
- Precise annealing conditions
- Mono or multi-metallic catalyst synthesis
- Cost-effective
Development to Date:
First successful demonstration by synthesis of uniformly distributed precious metal-based nanoparticles.