Summary:
Researchers at UCLA's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have developed a novel catalyst design using oxophilic single-atom decorations that enhances the performance and durability of platinum (Pt) catalysts in alkaline exchange membrane fuel cells.
Background:
Hydrogen fuel cells are a promising alternative to internal combustion engines, offering reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Current commercial proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) require a substantial amount of costly Pt-based catalysts to facilitate the slow oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). On the other hand, ORR in alkaline exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) utilize cost effective, non-precious-metal-based catalysts. But AEMFCs are limited by the hydrogen oxidation reaction’s (HOR) slower kinetics due to the alkaline media, even when combined with Pt-based catalysts. Additionally, conventional Pt-based catalysts run into structural degradation over time, hindering lifetime operations. Thus, there is a need to improve HOR performance, catalyst stability, and overall cost of current fuel cell technologies.
Innovation:
Researchers at UCLA have developed a novel single-atom, Rh-tailored Pt nanowire (SARh-PtNW) with enhanced performance, stability, and lower costs for AEMFCs. The innovation involves a surface modification strategy using oxophilic single-atom decorations to modulate the local electronic environment of Pt active sites. This approach significantly improves the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics under alkaline conditions — a longstanding challenge in AEMFC development. The result is a highly efficient and cost-effective catalyst system with the potential to accelerate the commercial viability of AEMFC technologies by reducing Pt usage and improving cell performance. The SARh-PtNW design achieves high performance by optimizing the Rh-to-Pt ratio and ensuring a uniform distribution of Rh atoms. This results in a 16 to 29-fold increase in active surface area compared to unmodified Pt or Rh nanowires, meaning far less platinum is needed—lowering overall material costs. The catalyst also operates efficiently at low voltages (0.05 V_RHE), which is essential for energy savings. Its structure resists clumping and maintains stability over time, addressing key durability issues found in traditional platinum catalysts. In summary, this innovative catalyst delivers superior efficiency and stability while reducing costs, making it a promising solution for advancing clean energy technologies powered by AEMFCs.
Potential Applications:
● Transportation
○ Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs)
○ Industrial vehicles
○ Space and aviation
● Power systems
○ Backup power
○ Grid support
● Machinery and Robotics
● Hydrogen Production
Advantages:
● Enhanced catalytic activity
● Enhanced catalytic activity
● Cost-reduction
● Reduced Pt consumption
● Structural stability and durability
Development-To-Date:
First successful demonstration of the invention complete.
Related Papers:
[1] Chengzhang W., Zisheng Z.,..Huang, Y., Xiangfeng, D., et. al. Reorganizing the Pt Surface Water Structure for Highly Efficient Alkaline Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction, Journal of the American Chemical Society, Vol 147/Issue 14, Mar. 25, 2025. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacs.5c00775
[2] Liu, M., Zhao, Z., Duan, X., & Huang, Y. (2018). Nanoscale structure design for high‐performance pt‐based Orr Catalysts. Advanced Materials, 31(6). https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.201802234
[3] Shah, A. H., Zhang, Z., Huang, Z., Wang, S., Zhong, G., Wan, C., ... & Duan, X. (2022). The role of alkali metal cations and platinum-surface hydroxyl in the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction. Nature Catalysis, 5(10), 923-933.
[4] Zhao, Z., Liu, Z., Zhang, A., Yan, X., Xue, W., Peng, B., ... & Huang, Y. (2022). Graphene-nanopocket-encaged PtCo nanocatalysts for highly durable fuel cell operation under demanding ultralow-Pt-loading conditions. Nature Nanotechnology, 17(9), 968-975.
Reference:
UCLA Case No. 2025-263
Lead Inventor:
Xiangfeng Duan, Yu Huang