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Development of Novel Non Pt Group Metal Electrocatalysts for PEM Fuel Cell Applications


EMSL Project ID
44742

Abstract

Some of the most promising non-PGM electrocatalysts are Metallo-nitrogen-carbon compounds made using pyrolysis of metal salts and carbon-nitrogen precursors.[1-4] The goal of this work is to determine the chemical character and composition of the different phases that form when preparing these types of non-Pt catalysts. Since these non-platinum catalysts are inherently kinetically less active than platinum based catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction extensive and high resolution characterization before, during, and after reaction is necessary. This work is inline with EMSL goals of improving energy efficiency and enabling renewable energy use through better understanding and control of materials nanostructure.
A systematic study varying the metals used (Fe, Co, Cu), their salts (nitrates, sulfates), the loadings of the salts, and both different kinds and amounts of carbon-nitrogen containing compounds will be used to determine the optimal composition and structure for best performance for oxygen reduction in support of DOE-EERE DE-EE0000459. The complex nature of these materials requires extensive, and high resolution, characterization that is not available at UNM but is available at the PNL EMSL. The PNL computational, microscopy, spectroscopy, and diffraction facilities requested will be used to augment existing UNM facilities and help determine the nano-structure of these promising non-PGM materials that are used for energy generating devices.

Project Details

Project type
Exploratory Research
Start Date
2011-10-20
End Date
2012-10-21
Status
Closed

Team

Principal Investigator

Barr Halevi
Institution
University of New Mexico

Team Members

Plamen Atanassov
Institution
University of New Mexico

Kateryna Artyushkova
Institution
University of New Mexico

Boris Kiefer
Institution
New Mexico State University