Core-Shell OER Catalyst Composition for Lower Overpotential
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current catalysts for the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline water electrolyzers require a large overpotential due to poor kinetics and are expensive, making them impractical for future energy applications, despite advancements in transition metal oxides, nitrides, and phosphides, which still exhibit low efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Development of core-shell catalysts comprising a transition metal phosphide core, such as Ni12P5, coated with a conducting polymer shell like polypyrrole (PPy), which enhances electrochemical performance by modifying surface functionalities and creating synergistic M-N interactions that reduce overpotential and improve charge transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional Pt/Ru/Ir based catalysts are used for OER, then catalytic activity is achieved, but overpotential is high (>0.25 V) and cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing Pt-group metals with transition metal phosphides (Ni, Co, Fe, Mn) combined with conducting polymers, fundamentally altering the catalyst's electronic structure and surface properties to achieve low overpotential without relying on expensive noble metals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite catalysts by combining transition metal phosphide nanoparticles with conducting polymer matrices, synergistically integrating the high catalytic activity of metal phosphides with the excellent electrical conductivity and surface functionality of polymers to reduce overpotential
2Reliability
If conventional Pt/Ru/Ir based catalysts are used for OER, then catalytic activity is achieved, but material cost is high and abundance is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, scarce Pt-group metals with abundant, inexpensive transition metals (Ni, Co, Fe, Mn) that are earth-abundant and can be sourced from common ores, making the catalyst economically viable for large-scale energy applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent fundamentally changes the material composition parameters by substituting noble metals with transition metal phosphides, altering the catalyst's chemical identity to use elements that are orders of magnitude more abundant in the earth's crust
3Quantity of substance
If transition metal oxides, nitrides, or phosphides are used for OER, then cost is reduced, but overpotential remains high and efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates composite catalysts by combining transition metal phosphide nanoparticles with conducting polymer matrices, synergistically integrating the high catalytic activity of metal phosphides with the excellent electrical conductivity and surface functionality of polymers to reduce overpotential
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the local surface properties of transition metal phosphides by coating them with conducting polymers that provide specific functional groups and electronic structures, creating highly active catalytic sites at the interface while maintaining the core's stability
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 core-shell catalysts demonstrate improved electrochemical performance with reduced overpotential and increased current density, outperforming traditional RuO2 catalysts in stability and activity, while utilizing abundant earth-abundant materials.
Implementation Method 1
Energy production via hydrogen using electrochemical water splitting
Implementation Method 2
Methods and compositions for oxygen electrocatalysis
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, the disclosure relates to catalysts for electrochemical water splitting, in particular catalysts useful for oxygen evolution at an anode in electrochemical water splitting. The disclosed catalysts compositions comprise a catalyst core component, a shell component, and optionally a catalyst outer component; wherein the catalyst core component comprises a composition having the chemical formula MxPy; where M is a transition metal; wherein x is a number from about 1 to about 20; wherein y is a number from about 1 to about 20; wherein the shell component comprises a conducting polymer; and wherein the catalyst outer component is a transition metal that is not the same as the transition metal M. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.