Ir-Ru-Pd Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in green hydrogen production is hindered by slow reaction kinetics, leading to poor water splitting efficiency. Current catalyst materials like RuOx and IrOx suffer from poor corrosion resistance or high costs due to scarcity.
Innovation Solution
A mixed single phase electrocatalyst material comprising Ir, Ru, and Pd is developed, with specific compositions and atomic ratios defined in Tables 1-14 and FIGS. 1-15. The catalyst is prepared by mixing precursor metal salts, subjecting them to a temperature range of 300° C to 600° C under suitable gas flow conditions, and then furnace cooling and purifying the samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If RuOx and IrOx are used as catalyst materials for OER, then catalytic activity is improved, but corrosion resistance deteriorates and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by creating a trimetallic catalyst system comprising Ir, Ru, and Pd metals in specific atomic ratios (Ir: 2-38 at%, Ru: 42-85 at%, Pd: 6-49 at%). This composite structure combines the high catalytic activity of IrOx and RuOx with the corrosion resistance of Pd, resolving the contradiction between activity and durability. The mixed single-phase composition ensures homogeneous distribution of metals, optimizing both performance and stability in harsh acidic environments.
2Productivity
If IrOx is used as catalyst material, then catalytic activity is improved, but cost increases due to scarcity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the atomic ratios of Ir, Ru, and Pd in the trimetallic catalyst. By optimizing these compositional parameters within specific ranges (Ir: 2-38 at%, Ru: 42-85 at%, Pd: 6-49 at%), the catalyst achieves high performance with reduced Ir content, thereby lowering cost while maintaining catalytic activity. The mixed single-phase structure ensures that the activity-enhancing effect is maximized even at lower Ir concentrations.
3Productivity
If mixed metal electrocatalyst is synthesized through thermal processing, then catalytic performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the manufacturing process by establishing specific thermal processing parameters: heating to 300-600°C for 1-6 hours under controlled atmosphere, followed by cooling and purification. By defining these parameter ranges clearly, the complex formation of mixed single-phase trimetallic catalyst is reduced to a straightforward thermal treatment process, making the manufacturing scalable while maintaining high catalytic performance.
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 Ir-Ru-Pd electrocatalyst demonstrates improved activity and durability for the OER, potentially reducing costs and energy consumption while maintaining or exceeding the performance of IrOx and RuOx catalysts.
Implementation Method 1
A catalyst material used for anodic oxygen evolution must withstand strong oxidizing potentials in harsh acidic environments while maintaining good activity
Implementation Method 2
subjecting the mixture to a temperature in the range of 300° C. to 600° C.
Implementation Method 3
In some embodiments, one or more metals within the catalyst may be oxidized. Oxidation or lack thereof may affect the performance of the catalyst under different testing conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes mixed metal catalysts, including electrocatalysts, which can be applied to reduce the need for Ir, while exhibiting desirable performance. Mixed metal electrocatalyst materials on the invention catalysts comprising Ir, Ru and Pd, catalysts comprising Ru and Pd, and catalysts comprising Ir and Pd.