Noble metal nanoparticles, a process for preparing these and their use
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- US · United States
- Current Assignee / Owner
- DMC2 DEGUSSA METALS CATALYSTS CERDEC
- Publication Date
- 2002-03-21
- Estimated Expiration
- Not applicable · inactive patent
Smart Images
Figure 1 
Figure 2 
Figure 3
Abstract
Description
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention provides noble metal-containing nanoparticles for producing membrane electrode assemblies (MEAS) for fuel cells, in particular for low temperature fuel cells, for example polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEM fuel cells) and direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC). New types of colloidal solutions which contain the noble metal alone or in association with other metals are described, wherein the metals are in the form of nanoparticles embedded in a temporary stabilizer. The nanoparticles are used to produce electrocatalysts and catalysed components for fuel cells. Using these nanoparticles, catalyzed ionomer membranes, catalyzed gas diffusion electrodes (so-called "backings") and membrane electrode assemblies can be produced.
[0002] Fuel cells convert a fuel and an oxidizing agent which are spatially separated from each other at two electrodes into electricity, heat and water. Hydrogen or a hydrogen-rich gas may be used as the f...