Method for Producing Electrode Catalyst for Fuel Cell

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The patent describes a method for producing an electrode catalyst used in fuel cells. By mixing conductive particles loaded with fine catalyst metal particles (such as platinum) with certain organic compounds and then heat treating the mixture under an inert gas atmosphere, the organic compound is carbonized. This process inhibits the increase in the size of catalyst metal particles during high-temperature treatment, which helps maintain high catalytic activity.

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

• Manufacture of high-performance polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) catalysts for automotive, stationary, and portable power applications.
• Improvement of catalysts in other types of fuel cells, such as phosphoric acid fuel cells (PAFC), solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), and molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC).
• Production of more efficient, durable, and cost-effective electrodes for hydrogen energy systems.
• Use in electrochemical sensors where stable and active catalysts are desired.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Suppresses the growth of catalyst metal particle size during high-temperature processing, which preserves catalytic surface area and activity.
• Improves the durability and efficiency of fuel cell electrodes, leading to better fuel cell performance and longer service life.
• Provides a universal and flexible method not limited by the type of catalyst metal or loading technique, and does not rely on residual suppressing agents or special additives.
• Enables the production of catalysts suitable for alloy formation and various fuel cell chemistries.
• Facilitates scalable and controllable manufacturing of advanced fuel cell catalysts.

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Patent Abstract

The present invention provides a method for producing an electrode catalyst for a fuel cell, comprising the steps of: mixing conductive particles loaded with catalyst metal fine particles with an organic compound; and heat treating the mixture formed in the mixing step under an inert gas atmosphere, so as to carbonize the organic compound. According to the present invention, the size increase of catalyst metal fine particles, which lowers catalytic activity, can be suppressed.