Platinum/ruthenium catalyst for direct methanol fuel cells

US7776781B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• UMICORE AG & CO. KG · DE

Inventors

• Marco Lopez · Frankfurt, DE
• Peter Biberbach · Rodenbach, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 13, 2005
• Grant date: Aug 17, 2010
• Expiry date: May 19, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02E60/50
• WIPO field: Electrical machinery, apparatus, energy
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

The invention relates to a carbon-supported PtRu anode catalyst for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) which has a platinum/ruthenium content in the range from 80 to 98 wt. %, preferably in the range from 85 to 98 wt. %, particularly preferably in the range from 85 to 95 wt. % (based on the total weight of the catalyst), on a carbon-based electrically conductive support material and has a mean particle size of less than 3 nm. The catalyst is prepared using a carbon black support material having a specific surface area (measured by the BET method) in the range from 1000 to 2000 m2/g by means of a reduction process using chemical reducing agents with addition of organic acids. Electrodes and membrane-electrode units containing the catalyst according to the invention having a high precious metal loading have an electrode layer thickness of less than 80 μm at a PtRu loading per unit area of the electrode of from 6 to 12 mg of PtRu/cm2 and lead to improved electric power in direct methanol fuel cells.