Novel Multifunctional Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Catalysts

62 Novel Multifunctional Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Catalysts--T/J Technologies, Inc., P.O. Box 2150, 3850 Research Park Drive, Ste. A, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-2150; (313) 213-1637 Dr. Cong Pu, Principal Investigator Mr. Leslie Alexander, Business Official DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-97ER82494 Amount: $75,000 The Department of Energy supports the development of fuel cells that are potential replacements for internal combustion engines because they are clean, energy efficient and fuel flexible. Improved electrocatalysts are needed to efficiently oxidize methanol, a fuel source, and that are tolerant to carbon monoxide and other impurities in the fuel. This is a key challenge for the commercialization of direct methanol fuel cells. This project is based on the premise that multifunctional Platinum (Pt)/metal oxide/metal carbide electrocatalysts will be highly active for methanol oxidation. The electrocatalyst composition and microstructure will be designed to significantly improve the performance of direct methanol oxidation catalysts. High dispersed, bifunctional sites and active sites on the carbide will contribute to the overall performance of the electrocatalysts. In Phase I, three process variables will be screened for their effects on the catalyst microstructure and activity. The electrocatalytic properties of the Pt/metal oxide/metal carbide catalysts are expected to be superior to those of Platinum-Ruthenium catalysts with similar Pt loadings. In Phase II the catalysts and electrode designs will be optimized, and prototype fuel cells will be fabricated. The prototype cells will be used to provide data necessary to evaluate the feasibility of commercializing direct methanol fuel cells based on Pt/metal oxide/metal carbide catalysts. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The widespread use of fuel cells would be enhanced by the development of inexpensive, highly efficient catalysts for the electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol. Direct methanol fuel cells offer several advantages over conventional fuel cells based on hydrogen, in particular with respect to fuel energy density, delivery and storage. The successful demonstration of catalysts described in this proposal will significantly improve the commercializability of direct methanol fuel cells.