Core-shell catalyst and reaction acceleration method

Abstract

Provided are (i) a catalyst that has a core-shell structure and is highly active in an oxygen reduction reaction, which is a cathode reaction of a fuel cell, and (ii) a reaction acceleration method in which the catalyst is used. A core-shell catalyst for accelerating an oxygen reduction reaction, contains: silver or palladium as a core material; and platinum as a shell material, the core-shell catalyst having, on a surface thereof, a (110) surface of a face centered cubic lattice.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention relates to a core-shell catalyst and a reaction acceleration method in which the core-shell catalyst is used.BACKGROUND ART[0002]Conventionally, a highly active platinum material has been mainly used as an electrode catalyst of a fuel cell. Note, however, that, platinum, which is a rare metal and is expensive, is required to be used in a smaller amount.[0003]In order that a smaller amount of platinum is used in an electrode catalyst of a fuel cell, a method is proposed in which a smaller amount of platinum is used by forming a catalyst particle having a core-shell structure into an electrode catalyst by causing a carrier to support the catalyst particle. The core-shell structure is a structure in which platinum, which is a highly active material, is used only in a surface (shell) of a catalyst particle and a material different from platinum is used in an inner part (core) of the catalyst particle which inner part does not contribute to a ca...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent is about a new type of catalyst and a way to make it more effective for use in fuel cells. The catalyst has a special structure made up of a core and a shell, with the core being made of silver or palladium and the shell being made of platinum. This structure also causes the surface of the catalyst to have a specific pattern. When this special catalyst is used in fuel cells, it becomes more active in the oxygen reduction reaction, which is a part of the energy conversion process. This patent describes a new way to make this special catalyst and a way to make it more effective in fuel cells.

Problems solved by technology

Note, however, that, platinum, which is a rare metal and is expensive, is required to be used in a smaller amount.

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