Breakthrough in Anion-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Technology

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have made a significant advancement in the development of anion-exchange membrane fuel cell (AEMFC) technology, a crucial innovation in the field of nanotechnology. The study focuses on improving the catalysts used in AEMFCs, which are essential for their efficiency. The researchers have developed a unique support system based on transition metal carbides (TMCs) for the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR), a key process in AEMFCs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The research team, led by Tel Aviv University, has created a novel support system based on transition metal carbides (TMCs) for the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) in alkaline electrolyte.
  • The study demonstrates the effectiveness of PtRu nanoparticles deposited onto TMC supports, which exhibit strong metal-support interactions, as evidenced by X-ray absorption near-edge structure and density functional theory.
  • The kinetic current density of PtRu/Mo2C-TaC catalysts is 1.65 and 1.50 times higher than that of PtRu/Mo2C and PtRu/Mo2C-W2C, respectively, indicating improved performance.
  • The AEMFC based on PtRu/Mo2C-TaC anode exhibited a peak power density of 1.2 W cm(-2) @70 degrees C, a significant breakthrough in the development of advanced catalysts.
  • This research has been peer-reviewed and published in ACS Catalysis, a prestigious scientific journal.

Statistics:

  • 1.65 times increase in kinetic current density of PtRu/Mo2C-TaC catalysts compared to PtRu/Mo2C.
  • 1.50 times increase in kinetic current density of PtRu/Mo2C-TaC catalysts compared to PtRu/Mo2C-W2C.
  • Peak power density of 1.2 W cm(-2) @70 degrees C achieved by AEMFC based on PtRu/Mo2C-TaC anode.

Sources:

  • Carbide-supported Ptru Catalysts for Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction In Alkaline Electrolyte. ACS Catalysis, 2021;11(2):932-947.
  • NewsRx. New Nanoparticles Data Have Been Reported by Researchers at Tel Aviv University (Carbide-supported Ptru Catalysts for Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction In Alkaline Electrolyte). Nanotechnology Weekly. March 29, 2021; p 3403.