Mesoporous MoO3-x Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are either expensive, unstable, or limited to specific acidic or alkaline conditions, with a lack of efficient, cost-effective alternatives to platinum-based materials that can operate effectively in both environments.

Innovation Solution

The development of mesoporous molybdenum oxide (MoO3-x) with a soft-template synthesis method, incorporating oxygen deficiencies and a layered structure, which acts as an electrocatalyst without the need for carbon materials or noble metals, enhancing catalytic activity and stability in both acidic and alkaline conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If Pt-based electrocatalysts are used, then high catalytic activity for HER is achieved, but high cost and scarcity become problematic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatalytic activityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive Pt-based electrocatalysts with cost-effective transition metal oxides (Fe3O4, Co3O4, NiO, CuO, MnO2, MoO3) that can deliver comparable HER activity. These earth-abundant materials serve as disposable alternatives to precious metals, achieving high catalytic productivity without the burden of high material cost and scarcity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of metal oxide materials by creating mesoporous structures with controlled pore sizes (2-50 nm), high surface areas (50-500 m²/g), and specific crystal phases. These parameter changes enhance the catalytic activity of the inexpensive metal oxides to match or exceed Pt-based catalysts while maintaining cost effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If electrocatalysts are designed for acidic conditions, then high activity is achieved, but stability in alkaline conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatalytic activityVSAvoidstability across conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent develops metal oxide electrocatalysts with universal functionality that can operate effectively in both acidic and alkaline media. The mesoporous metal oxide structures (Fe3O4, Co3O4, NiO, CuO, MnO2, MoO3) demonstrate stable HER activity across different pH conditions, eliminating the need to optimize separate catalysts for different environments and enabling versatile application in various electrochemical systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If mesoporous structure is introduced, then surface area and mass transport are improved, but structural stability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface areaVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces mesoporous structures with pore sizes of 2-50 nm into metal oxide electrocatalysts, achieving high surface areas (50-500 m²/g) that enhance catalytic activity and mass transport. The controlled porosity provides adequate structural stability while maximizing the electrochemically active surface area, resolving the trade-off between surface area enhancement and structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous 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 mesoporous MoO3-x material demonstrates high catalytic activity and stability for over 11 hours, requiring a low overpotential and exhibiting reduced charge transfer resistance, making it a promising candidate for electrochemical energy conversion and storage applications.

Implementation Method 1

The soft-template synthesis of transition metal oxides with mesoporosity and oxygen deficiency provides a promising strategy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSoft-template synthesis: Self-Assembly

Implementation Method 2

The mesoporous metal oxide serves as an HER electrocatalyst without the assistant of carbon materials, noble metals, or MoS2 materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrocatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 3

the mesoporous metal oxide is oxygen deficient and has an overpotential of from about 0.01 to about 0.20V

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxygen deficiency effect:

Data Source

PatentUS10822246B2Mesoporous metal oxides, preparation and applications thereof

Publication Date: 2020.11.03 UNIV OF CONNECTICUT

AI summary

This disclosure provides a unique approach for the synthesis of non-stoichiometric, mesoporous metal oxides with nano-sized crystalline wall. The as-synthesized mesoporous metal oxide is very active and stable (durability >11 h) electocatalyst in both acidic and alkaline conditions. The intrinsic mesoporous metal oxide serves as an electrocatalyst without the assistant of carbon materials, noble metals, or other materials, which are widely used in previously developed systems. The as-synthesized mesoporous metal oxide has large accessible pores (2-50 nm), which are able to facilitate mass transport and charge transfer. The as-synthesized mesoporous metal oxide requires a low overpotential and is oxygen deficient. Oxygen vacancies and mesoporosity served as key factors for excellent performance.