Catalyst System, Electrode, and Fuel Cell or Electrolyzer

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a new catalyst system for electrodes used in fuel cells and electrolyzers. The system is based on a combination of electrically conductive, non-precious metal oxides, each stabilized with fluorine, forming a two-phase oxide composite with distinctive surface properties. This approach avoids or drastically reduces the use of costly precious metals like platinum, while maintaining or exceeding the catalytic activity and efficiency of traditional platinum-based electrodes.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Hydrogen fuel cells for automotive applications such as electric vehicles
• Electrolyzers used in the production of hydrogen gas from water splitting
• Fuel cells or electrolyzers in stationary energy storage systems
• Backup power systems or distributed energy generation using fuel cells
• Portable electronic devices powered by miniaturized fuel cells

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Reduces or eliminates the need for expensive precious metals like platinum, lowering material costs
• Enables mass-production and scalability of hydrogen fuel cells for transportation and energy sectors
• Improves the catalytic efficiency and stability (long lifetime) of fuel cells and electrolyzers
• Enhances economic viability for green hydrogen and fuel cell technologies
• Potential for high current densities and high electrical conductivity, supporting greater power outputs
• Stable under acidic conditions and has high resistance to passivation and dissolution, enabling long-term operation

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a catalyst system (9), an electrode (1), which comprises the catalyst system (9), and a fuel cell (10) or an electrolyser having at least one such electrode (1). The catalyst system (9) comprises an electrically conductive carrier metal oxide and an electrically conductive, metal-oxide catalyst material, wherein the carrier metal oxide and the catalyst material differ in their composition and wherein the catalyst material and the carrier metal oxide are each stabilised with fluorine. A near-surface pH value, designated pzzp value (pzzp = point of zero zeta potential), of the carrier metal oxide and of the catalyst material differ from one another, wherein the pzzp value of either the carrier metal oxide or of the catalyst material is at most pH = 5. The catalyst material and the carrier metal oxide form an at least two-phase disperse oxide composite.