Core-Shell ORR Catalyst Particles Without Carbon Support Degradation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current platinum-based fuel cells for oxygen reduction reactions suffer from slow electron-transfer kinetics, high cost, low durability, and carbon support deterioration, leading to decreased catalytic activity and fuel cell performance over time.

Innovation Solution

Development of composite particles with a core-shell structure, where a platinum-group transition metal shell is uniformly formed on a metal oxide core using a photoreduction reaction, eliminating the need for a carbon support and enhancing catalytic activity and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If carbon support is used for ORR catalysts, then electrical conductivity and specific surface area are improved, but deterioration (oxidation) occurs during long-term operation causing catalytic activity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter of the support from carbon to metal oxide (such as TiO2, Nb2O5, or WO3), which fundamentally alters the chemical stability characteristics while maintaining or improving electrical conductivity through the core-shell structure design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite material system consisting of a metal oxide core providing stability and a platinum-group transition metal shell providing catalytic activity, replacing the traditional carbon support structure to achieve both high conductivity and long-term durability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If platinum catalyst is used for ORR, then catalytic activity is improved, but aggregation or detachment occurs during long-term operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatalytic activityVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the catalyst into discrete composite particles with a stable metal oxide core and a controlled metal shell, preventing the aggregation and detachment issues that occur with conventional platinum catalysts by providing a robust structural framework

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent forms a composite structure where the platinum-group transition metal is coated on the metal oxide core, creating a stable support-catalyst integration that prevents catalyst detachment and aggregation while maintaining high catalytic activity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If metal oxide support is used instead of carbon, then durability is improved, but electrical conductivity and specific surface area decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidelectrical conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrical conductivity parameter by introducing a conductive metal shell around the metal oxide core, compensating for the inherently lower conductivity of metal oxides while maintaining their durability advantages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure combining metal oxide core (providing durability) with metal shell (providing conductivity), achieving both high durability and adequate electrical conductivity that neither material could provide alone

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 composite particles exhibit superior oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) characteristics and extended fuel cell lifespan by preventing platinum catalyst aggregation and detachment, achieving performance comparable to commercial Pt/C catalysts without using carbon.

Implementation Method 1

a platinum-group transition metal shell formed on a metal oxide particle core by a photoreduction reaction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoreduction reaction: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS20230420694A1Composite particles of core-shell structure including metal oxide particle core and platinum-group transition metal shell, and electrochemical reaction electrode material including same

Publication Date: 2023.12.28 DAEGU GYEONGBUK INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

AI summary

The present invention relates to composite particles of a core-shell structure including a metal oxide particle core and a platinum-group transition metal shell, and an electrode for platinum-group transition metal-based electrochemical reactions including an oxygen reduction reaction, the electrode including the composite particles. Specifically, the present invention relates to: composite particles of a core-shell structure including a platinum-group transition metal shell formed on a metal oxide particle core by a photoreduction reaction; a catalyst for platinum-group transition metal-based electrochemical reactions including an oxygen reduction reaction, the catalyst including the composite particles; an electrode for platinum-group transition metal-based electrochemical reactions including an oxygen reduction reaction; a fuel cell; and a platinum-group transition metal-based electrochemical conversion device.