Pyrochlore Electrocatalysts for Acidic Oxygen Evolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost of precious metals used in existing catalysts for the acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) has hindered the widespread commercialization of proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) systems for hydrogen production.
Innovation Solution
Development of pyrochlore compounds with compositions such as RE2(Ru)2xM2-2xO7, RE2(Ir)2xM2-2xO7, or RE2(Ir,Ru)2xM2-2xO7, where RE is a rare earth element and M is an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, transition metal, post-transition metal, Ge, or Sb, as electrocatalysts to catalyze the OER in acidic conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If precious metals are used in catalysts for acidic OER, then catalytic activity is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by incorporating multiple metal elements (Ru, Ir, Pt, Pd, Rh, Os, Ir, Re, W, Mo, V, Nb, Ta) in varying ratios within a pyrochlore structure. By adjusting the stoichiometric ratios and oxidation states of these metals, the catalyst achieves high OER activity while reducing dependence on single precious metals, thereby lowering cost while maintaining performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by creating a pyrochlore structure containing multiple metal elements combined with carbon materials. This composite approach allows the catalyst to leverage the synergistic effects of different metals (e.g., Ru for high activity, Ir for stability, Pt for conductivity) while distributing the precious metal content across multiple elements, reducing overall cost while maintaining or enhancing catalytic activity
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 use of these pyrochlore compounds as electrocatalysts reduces the reliance on expensive precious metals, enhancing the economic viability of PEMWE systems while maintaining effective hydrogen production capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
electrocatalysts for catalyzing the OER includes a pyrochlore compound
Implementation Method 2
proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) systems for the production of hydrogen
Data Source
AI summary
An electrocatalyst for the production of hydrogen from water includes a pyrochlore compound with a composition or chemical formula of RE2(Ru)2xM2-2xO7, RE2(Ir)2xM2-2xO7or RE2(Ir,Ru)2xM2-2xO7, where RE is a rare earth element, M is an alkali metal, alkaline carth metal, transition metal, post-transition metal, Ge, or Sb, and x is less than 1.0 and greater than 0.0.