Catalyst System, Electrode, and Fuel Cell or Electrolyzer

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This patent describes a novel catalyst system for use in electrodes of fuel cells or electrolyzers. The system is based on electrically conductive, non-precious metal oxides that are specifically doped and structured to achieve high performance. The catalyst supports improved oxygen reduction and can be used with minimal or no precious metals (such as platinum), thereby reducing costs and increasing long-term stability.

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

• Fuel cells for automobiles and transportation
• Stationary fuel cells for power generation
• Electrolyzers for hydrogen production (water splitting)
• Portable power systems and backup energy solutions
• Industrial applications requiring efficient electrochemical reactions without expensive precious metals

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Reduces or eliminates the need for precious metals (like platinum), lowering material costs significantly
• Offers high electrical conductivity and superior catalytic activity for oxygen reduction
• Enhanced long-term chemical and thermal stability, leading to longer operational lifetimes
• Reduced sensitivity to hydrolysis and passivation, enabling more robust operation in harsh conditions
• Enables higher efficiency and power output in fuel cells and electrolyzers compared to traditional oxide catalysts
• Customizable surface and interfacial energy properties for improved electron transfer and reaction dynamics

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a catalyst system (9), an electrode (1) comprising the catalyst system (9), and a fuel cell (10) or an electrolyzer having at least one electrode (1) of this type. The catalyst system (9) comprises an electrically conductive carrier metal oxide and an electrically conductive metal-oxide catalyst material. A near-surface pH value, called pzzp value (pzzp = point of zero zeta potential), of the carrier metal oxide and a near-surface pH value of the catalyst material differ. The catalyst material and the carrier metal oxide form an at least two-phase disperse oxide composite. The carrier metal oxide has a first crystal lattice structure comprising first oxygen lattice sites and first metal lattice sites. At the first oxygen lattice sites, the carrier metal oxide is doped with fluorine and/or at least one element of the group comprising nitrogen, carbon and boron and is optionally additionally doped with hydrogen. The catalyst material has a second crystal lattice structure comprising second oxygen lattice sites and second metal lattice sites. At the second oxygen lattice sites, the catalyst material is doped with fluorine and at least one element of the group comprising nitrogen, carbon and boron and is optionally additionally doped with hydrogen.