Industrial Consultancy & Sponsored Research (IC&SR) , IIT Madras
High Performance Electrocatalyst for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Application
Categories for this Invention
Advanced Fuel Cell Electrochemistry
Applications– Portable Electronics, Clean Energy Storage, Stationary Power Generation
Industry – Electronics and Energy Storage
Market – PEM Fuel Cell Market size valued at USD 2.8 billion in 2022 and is estimated to grow at over 8.4% CAGR from 2023 to 2032.
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Problem Statement
- The main electrocatalyst, platinum (Pt), used in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) for oxygen reduction and hydrogen oxidation reactions is expensive, contributing significantly to the overall cost of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA).
- The limited availability of platinum poses a barrier to the widespread commercialization of PEMFCs.
- The current use of carbon-supported platinum (Pt/C) as a cathode electrocatalyst faces issues of electrochemical oxidation of carbon during fuel cell operations, leading to Pt nanoparticle agglomeration and detachment, resulting in degradation of fuel cell performance over time.
- The slow kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode introduces a large over-potential, significantly reducing the performance of PEMFCs.
Technology
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a high performance electrocatalyst for proton exchange membrane fuel cell comprising steps of:
- Synthesizing a composite of graphene and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) by the strong electrostatic interaction between positively surface charged graphene and negatively surface charged MWNT enhancing the interaction between 1D MWNT and 2D graphene which prevents the restacking of graphene and gives highly conducting and large surface area nanostructure;
- Coating nitrogen containing polymers over (graphene + MWNT) hybrid structure to obtain a highly uniform and well controlled coating; heating in pyrolysis chamber in inert gas atmosphere; and
- Attaching Pt-3d TM alloy nanoparticles on the surface of nitrogen doped (graphene + MWNT) hybrid structure by modified polyol reduction technique.
Key Features / Value Proposition
Alloy Nanoparticles Integration:
- Introduction of (Pt-3d TM) alloy nanoparticles onto nitrogen-doped (graphene + MWNT) enhances catalytic activity for PEMFCs.
Impressive Power Density:
- Achieves a substantial maximum power density of 935 mWcm-2 at 60ºC, outperforming commercial Pt/C (289 mWcm-2).
Prolonged Stability:
- Demonstrates robust stability over 100 hours at 0.5 V in acidic medium, surpassing commercial Pt/C counterparts.
Improved ORR Performance:
- Alloying Pt with 3d transition metals enhances catalytic efficiency towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
Strong Metal Dispersion:
- Nitrogen doping of (graphene + MWNT) ensures strong binding for Pt-3d TM alloy nanoparticles, facilitating high metal dispersion.
Hydrogen-Fueled Applications:
- Excellent fuel cell performance and stability position the electrocatalyst as a viable choice for hydrogen-fueled vehicles and portable electronics.
Questions about this Technology?
Contact For Licensing
sm-marketing@imail.iitm.ac.in
ipoffice2@iitm.ac.in
Research Lab
Prof. Ramaprabhu, S.
Department of Physics
Intellectual Property
- IITM IDF Ref. 964
- IN 412563 – Patent Granted
Technology Readiness Level
TRL – 4
Technology validated in lab scale.