Method for removing strongly adsorbed surfactants and capping agents from metal to facilitate their catalytic applications

US9490486B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• Brookhaven Science Associates, LLC · US
• The Research Foundation for The State University of New York · US

Inventors

• Radoslav Adzic · East Setauket, US
• Kuanping Gong · Union City, US
• Yun Cai · Berkeley, US
• Stanislaus S. Wong · Middle Island, US
• Christopher Koenigsmann · Mahopac, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 7, 2013
• Grant date: Nov 8, 2016
• Expiry date: Jan 30, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02E60/50
• WIPO field: Materials, metallurgy
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A method of synthesizing activated electrocatalyst, preferably having a morphology of a nanostructure, is disclosed. The method includes safely and efficiently removing surfactants and capping agents from the surface of the metal structures. With regard to metal nanoparticles, the method includes synthesis of nanoparticle(s) in polar or non-polar solution with surfactants or capping agents and subsequent activation by CO-adsorption-induced surfactant/capping agent desorption and electrochemical oxidation. The method produces activated macroparticle or nanoparticle electrocatalysts without damaging the surface of the electrocatalyst that includes breaking, increasing particle thickness or increasing the number of low coordination sites.