Cerium Oxide Supported Metal Catalyst for Low-Peroxide Fuel Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
In polymer electrolyte fuel cells, hydrogen peroxide generation during power generation leads to electrolyte membrane degradation, and existing technologies lack effective methods to suppress this issue.
Innovation Solution
A supported metal catalyst with a support powder structured by fusion-bonded cerium oxide crystallites and metal fine particles, achieving an electric conductivity of 10−4 S/cm or higher, which suppresses hydrogen peroxide generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If cerium oxide is used as the metal oxide structuring the support fine particles, then hydrogen peroxide generation is suppressed, but electric conductivity becomes extremely low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material structure where cerium oxide crystallites are embedded within a metal oxide matrix (such as Nb-SnO2). This composite structure allows the cerium oxide to suppress hydrogen peroxide generation while the conductive metal oxide matrix maintains adequate electric conductivity for catalyst operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cerium oxide is distributed as discrete crystallites within the support structure rather than as a bulk material. This local distribution allows cerium oxide to exert its hydrogen peroxide suppression effect at specific active sites while the surrounding conductive metal oxide provides the necessary electrical pathways for overall catalyst functionality.
2Reliability
If conventional supports are used, then electric conductivity is maintained, but hydrogen peroxide generation cannot be suppressed
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed as a composite where cerium oxide crystallites are integrated into a metal oxide matrix. This composite enables simultaneous achievement of hydrogen peroxide suppression (by cerium oxide) and adequate conductivity (by the metal oxide matrix), resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the compositional parameters of the metal oxide support by incorporating cerium oxide at specific concentrations and crystallite sizes. This parameter optimization allows the support to maintain conductivity while gaining the hydrogen peroxide suppression capability of cerium oxide.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The catalyst effectively reduces hydrogen peroxide generation, enhancing the durability of the electrolyte membrane and maintaining fuel cell performance by ensuring high electric conductivity and heat resistance.
Implementation Method 1
metal fine particles supported on the support powder
Implementation Method 2
a chained portion structured by a plurality of crystallites being fusion-bonded to form a chain
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a supported metal catalyst that has an electric conductivity acceptable as a catalyst and can suppress the generation of hydrogen peroxide.According to the present invention, provided is a supported metal catalyst, comprising: a support powder; and metal fine particles supported on the support powder, wherein: the support powder is an aggregate of support fine particles; the support fine particles have a chained portion structured by a plurality of crystallites being fusion-bonded to form a chain; the support fine particles are structured with a metal oxide; the metal oxide contains cerium; and an electric conductivity of the supported metal catalyst is 10−4 S/cm or higher.