Development of Ultra-low Loading Platinum Alloy Cathode Catalysts for PEM Fuel Cells: Theoretical and Experimental Studies

用于质子交换膜燃料电池的超低负载铂合金阴极催化剂的开发：理论和实验研究

• 批准号: 0966956
• 负责人: Branko Popov
• 金额: $ 30万
• 依托单位: University South Carolina Research Foundation
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2010
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2010-03-15 至 2013-02-28
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0966956&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Development; Ultra; low; Loading; Platinum

0966956PopovThe proposed research will establish a scientific and engineering basis for the development of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell cathode catalysts having ultra-low Pt loadings and increased durability for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). These catalysts are expected to have fast reaction rates and good stability that are essential for developing next generation fuel cells for sustainable energy systems. Intellectual MeritHybrid cathode catalysts (HCC) will be synthesized using a carbon composite catalyst (CCC) with an ultra-low loading of Pt. The CCC has a high content of active pyridinic nitrogen sites, and will be used as a support for ultra-low loading of platinum instead of carbon black, which is currently used in the commercial catalysts. Besides its own contribution to the overall catalyst activity, the noble metal free CCC will enhance the activity of Pt and Pt alloys (e.g., Pt-Co/CCC, Pt-Fe/CCC, Pt-Ni/CCC) through synergistic effects. A first-principles mathematical model and density functional theory (DFT) calculations will be used to help understand the oxygen reduction kinetics on the HCC catalysts. Structure-property relationships will be established using a wide range of electrochemical and surface characterization techniques. These studies will create a framework for the development of novel synthesis procedures to prepare highly active and stable catalysts for ORR with ultra-low Pt loading. Broader ImpactsGiven the world's low platinum reserves (30,000 tons of unproven reserves), the hybrid cathode catalyst (HCC) proposed in this study has the potential to reduce both the cost of the PEM fuel cell and consumption of this precious metal. Interdisciplinary courses at both the graduate and undergraduate levels in quantum chemistry & material surface characterization, as well as materials science & electrochemical engineering, will be developed. Programs will be developed to accelerate the transition from passive learners to scientists and engineers by training students in group-based problem solving, helping students acquire technical and time management skills, and by challenging them to complete a project related to electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction. In addition, the program will increase community awareness of next-generation energy technology and career opportunities, and promote the involvement of students from under-represented groups in these activities.

所提出的研究将为开发具有超低Pt负载量和提高的氧还原反应（ORR）耐久性的质子交换膜（PEM）燃料电池阴极催化剂建立科学和工程基础。这些催化剂预计将具有快速的反应速率和良好的稳定性，这对于开发用于可持续能源系统的下一代燃料电池至关重要。 Intellectual MeritHybrid阴极催化剂（HCC）将使用具有超低载量Pt的碳复合催化剂（CCC）合成。CCC具有高含量的活性吡啶氮中心，并且将用作超低负载铂的载体，而不是目前商业催化剂中使用的炭黑。 除了其自身对总催化剂活性的贡献之外，不含贵金属的CCC将增强Pt和Pt合金的活性（例如，Pt-Co/CCC、Pt-Fe/CCC、Pt-Ni/CCC）。第一性原理数学模型和密度泛函理论（DFT）计算将被用来帮助理解HCC催化剂上的氧还原动力学。 将使用广泛的电化学和表面表征技术建立结构-性能关系。这些研究将为开发新的合成程序以制备具有超低Pt负载的用于ORR的高活性和稳定的催化剂创建框架。 更广泛的影响考虑到世界上铂储量较低（3万吨未经证实的储量），本研究中提出的混合阴极催化剂（HCC）有可能降低PEM燃料电池的成本和这种贵金属的消耗。将开发研究生和本科生层次的量子化学材料表面表征以及材料科学电化学工程的跨学科课程。 将制定计划，以加速从被动学习者到科学家和工程师的转变，通过培训学生以小组为基础的问题解决，帮助学生获得技术和时间管理技能，并通过挑战他们完成与氧还原电催化剂相关的项目。此外，该计划将提高社区对下一代能源技术和就业机会的认识，并促进来自代表性不足群体的学生参与这些活动。