Protecting a PEM fuel cell catalyst against carbon monoxide poisoning
US8273486B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 30, 2009 |
| Grant date | Sep 25, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 23, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P70/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An anode structure comprises an array of carbon nanotubes having a diffusion side and a membrane side, and catalyst particles interspersed on inner surfaces of the membrane side of the carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes have an average diameter greater than the size of the hydrogen molecule but smaller than the size of the carbon monoxide molecule. Thus, hydrogen flowing toward the catalyst particles interspersed inside the carbon nanotubes are able to go through, while the flow of trace amounts of carbon monoxide contained in the hydrogen is blocked, preventing the poisoning of the catalyst particles by the carbon monoxide. A fuel cell utilizing the anode structure and a method for manufacturing the anode structure are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.