A Method of Preparing a Mesoporous Carbon Composite Material Comprising Metal Nanoparticles and Use Thereof as Catalyst

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This invention describes a novel method for making mesoporous carbon composite materials that incorporate preformed metal nanoparticles within a highly ordered porous carbon matrix. The process uses specific surfactants and polymerizable compounds to form a structured polymer, into which stabilized metal nanoparticles are introduced and dispersed. Subsequent heat treatments convert the structure into a carbon composite with evenly distributed metal nanoparticles, resulting in materials with high surface area, well-defined porosity, and excellent electrical conductivity. These composites are particularly suitable for use as high-performance catalysts.

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

• Catalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) in water electrolysis
• Electrocatalysts in fuel cells (e.g., PEM fuel cells for energy generation)
• Catalysts in heterogeneous chemical reactions
• Fabrication of high-performance electrodes for batteries and supercapacitors
• Catalytic converters for pollution control
• Sensors based on electrochemical or catalytic activity
• Gas storage devices taking advantage of the porous structure
• Advanced electrical capacitors

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Improved catalytic activity due to high surface area and uniform nanoparticle distribution
• Enhanced electrical conductivity from higher graphitization of carbon
• Smaller and more stable nanoparticles that retain activity over time
• Efficient utilization of expensive metals (e.g., platinum, palladium) with lower loading required for equivalent performance
• Ordered pore structure enables better mass transport of reactants and products
• Versatile process compatible with a range of metals and alloys
• Films can be easily deposited on substrates with controlled thickness and no cracks
• Potential for scalable, binder-free manufacturing of advanced catalysts and electrodes

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Patent Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of preparing a mesoporous carbon composite material comprising a mesoporous carbon phase and preformed metal nanoparticles located within said mesoporous carbon phase. The present invention also relates to a mesoporous carbon composite material and to a substrate comprising a film of such mesoporous carbon composite material. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of a mesoporous carbon composite material according to the present invention.