Method of Preparing an Electrode Catalyst for Fuel Cells, and a Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell

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This invention provides a method for making improved electrode catalysts for polymer electrolyte fuel cells. The process uses a special platinum-nitrogen macrocyclic complex (PtNx, where x=2-4) mixed with a pore-forming agent, pyrolyzed in an inert atmosphere, then treated with acid, filtered, and dried. The result is a catalyst with finely dispersed platinum particles embedded in a porous carbon structure, leading to higher platinum utilization efficiency and better electricity generation performance than traditional catalysts.

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

• Polymer electrolyte fuel cells for vehicles, such as hydrogen-powered cars and buses.
• Stationary fuel cell systems for distributed power generation or cogeneration (combined heat and power).
• Portable fuel cells for electronics or backup power sources.
• Fuel cell stacks for industrial applications requiring clean and efficient energy.
• Replacement electrode catalysts for upgrading or maintaining existing fuel cell systems.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Improved platinum utilization efficiency, meaning less platinum is needed for the same catalytic activity, reducing material costs.
• Enhanced electricity generation performance due to smaller platinum particles and optimized porous carbon support.
• Simplified and scalable catalyst production process with fewer steps and easier alloying capability.
• Potential for lower manufacturing costs of fuel cell electrodes due to reduced platinum content and streamlined processing.
• Greater stability and durability of the catalyst because of the well-dispersed and embedded structure.

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Patent Abstract

Platinum utilization efficiency and electricity generation performance are improved in an electrode catalyst comprising a pyrolysed catalyst which is prepared from platinum-based PtNx (2 = x = 4) centre catalyst material in which a platinum-group element or a platinum-group element and another element are coordinated to the each four nitrogen atoms separately. A method of preparing a platinum group-supported carbon electrode catalyst for fuel cells comprises the steps of: mixing a nitrogen-containing platinum-based complex having a PtNx (2 = x = 4) chelate structure in which a platinum-group element or a platinum-group element and another element are coordinated to the each four nitrogen atoms separately, with a pore-forming agent by crushing and/or milling; calcining a mixture obtained by the crushing and/or milling in an inert gas atmosphere; dipping a calcined product in a strong acid; and filtering, washing, and drying the calcined product after dipping.