Final Report: Cathode Catalysis in Hydrogen/Oxygen Fuel Cells: New Catalysts, Mechanism, and Characterization

Gewirth, Andrew A.¹  Kenis, Paul J.²  Nuzzo, Ralph G.¹  Rauchfuss, Thomas B.¹ 

[1]Univ. of Illinois, Urbana, IL (United States). Dept. of Chemistry

[2]Univ. of Illinois, Urbana, IL (United States). Dept. of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

关键词: Oxygen Reduction Reaction;    Copper;    Electrochemistry;   

DOI  :  10.2172/1234970
RP-ID  :  DOE-ILLINOIS--46260
PID  :  OSTI ID: 1234970

美国|英语

来源: SciTech Connect

【 摘 要 】

In this research, we prosecuted a comprehensive plan of research directed at developing new catalysts and new understandings relevant to the operation of low temperature hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells. The focal point of this work was one centered on the Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR), the electrochemical process that most fundamentally limits the technological utility of these environmentally benign energy conversion devices. Over the period of grant support, we developed new ORR catalysts, based on Cu dimers and multimers. In this area, we developed substantial new insight into design rules required to establish better ORR materials, inspired by the three-Cu active site in laccase which has the highest ORR onset potential of any material known. We also developed new methods of characterization for the ORR on conventional (metal-based) catalysts. Finally, we developed a new platform to study the rate of proton transfer relevant to proton coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions, of which the ORR is an exemplar. Other aspects of work involved theory and prototype catalyst testing.