Graphitized Carbon Carrier Structure for Fuel Cell Catalyst Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

In fuel cells, the use of graphitized carbon materials as carbon carriers for catalyst metal particles leads to a reduction in output characteristics, particularly at high current densities, due to the loss of carbon structure suitable for supporting catalysts during graphitization.

Innovation Solution

A carbon carrier with specific properties, including a Raman 2D/G ratio of 0.36-1.0, a crystallite size ratio La/Lc of 2.50 or more, and a BET specific surface area of 150 m^2/g or more, is developed to enhance oxidation resistance and support catalyst metal particles effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If graphitized carbon material is used as carbon carrier, then oxidation resistance is improved, but output characteristic (voltage at high current density) is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoxidation resistanceVSAvoidoutput characteristic
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the structural parameters of the carbon carrier by controlling the ratio of 2D band intensity to G band intensity in the Raman spectrum to be 0.36-1.0, and controlling the La/Lc ratio to be 2.50 or more. These parameter changes optimize the carbon structure to maintain oxidation resistance while preserving catalytic support capability, thereby resolving the contradiction between oxidation resistance and output characteristic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If graphitization is proceeded to improve oxidation resistance, then oxidation resistance is improved, but carbon structure suitable for supporting catalyst metal particles is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoxidation resistanceVSAvoidcarbon structure for supporting catalyst
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the carbon structure parameters by controlling the Raman spectral characteristics (2D/G intensity ratio of 0.36-1.0) and crystallite size ratio (La/Lc ≥ 2.50). This parameter optimization maintains the carbon structure's ability to support catalyst metal particles while achieving sufficient oxidation resistance through controlled graphitization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates an optimized carbon material with specific structural characteristics that combines the benefits of graphitization (oxidation resistance) with retained structural features (catalyst support capability). The specific La/Lc ratio and Raman intensity ratio indicate a composite-like structure that integrates both required properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Productivity

If carbon structure is optimized for supporting catalyst particles, then catalytic function is improved, but oxidation resistance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalytic functionVSAvoidoxidation resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simultaneously optimizes multiple parameters: the 2D/G intensity ratio (0.36-1.0) reflects the carbon structure's catalytic support capability, while the La/Lc ratio (≥2.50) indicates the degree of graphitization for oxidation resistance. By coordinating these parameter changes, the patent achieves both improved catalytic function and maintained oxidation resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 carbon carrier maintains excellent oxidation resistance and supports catalyst metal particles effectively, improving the durability and catalytic function of the metal-supported catalyst and electrode, leading to enhanced battery performance and output characteristics.

Implementation Method 1

a carbon carrier for supporting catalyst metal particles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

improvement in oxidation resistance could hitherto be achieved by using a graphitized carbon material as a carbon carrier

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation resistance: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP4489146A1Carbon carrier and metal-supported catalyst containing same, electrode, and battery
Publication Date: 2025.01.08 NISSHINBO HOLDINGS INC
  • EP4489146A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4489146A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4489146A1 patent drawingFigure 2C

AI summary

Provided are a carbon carrier that has excellent oxidation resistance and has a carbon structure suitable for supporting catalyst metal particles, and a metal-supported catalyst, an electrode, and a battery each including the same. The carbon carrier is a carbon carrier for supporting catalyst metal particles, the carbon carrier having a ratio of an intensity of a 2D band having a peak top in a vicinity of a Raman shift of 2,680 cm-1 to an intensity of a G band having a peak top in a vicinity of a Raman shift of 1,600 cm-1 of 0.36 or more and 1.0 or less in a Raman spectrum obtained by Raman spectroscopy, the carbon carrier having a ratio of a crystallite size La obtained from a (110) diffraction line of carbon in an X-ray diffraction pattern obtained by powder X-ray diffraction using a CuKα ray to a crystallite size Lc obtained from a (002) diffraction line of carbon in the X-ray diffraction pattern of 2.50 or more.