Ru-Based Composite Catalyst for PEMEC Anode
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Solution Overview
Problem
The widespread use of polymer electrolyte membrane electrolysis cells (PEMEC) is hindered by the high cost and durability issues associated with noble metal catalysts, particularly in the anode, where a significant reduction in the amount of noble metal used is demanded to maintain oxygen generating activity and durability.
Innovation Solution
A catalyst with a porous structure composed of aggregates of Ru and other metal atoms, such as Ir, Ta, and Al, is developed, where the metal atom ratio of these atoms is higher on the surface than within the structure, enhancing both catalytic activity and durability, and allowing for a reduction in the overall amount of noble metal used.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If noble metal catalysts (Pt, Ir) are used for the anode of PEMEC, then oxygen generating activity and durability are ensured, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the compositional parameters of the catalyst by using Ru as the primary active metal and controlling the ratio of Ru to other metals (Al, Ta, W, Mo, Sn, or their oxides) within specific ranges (Ru:other metal = 95:5 to 50:50 by atom ratio). This parameter optimization allows achieving high oxygen generating activity and durability while reducing reliance on expensive noble metals like Ir and Pt
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite catalyst materials consisting of Ru combined with other metals (Al, Ta, W, Mo, Sn) or their oxides. These composite structures leverage the high activity of Ru while the combined metal system provides enhanced stability and durability, replacing costly noble metal catalysts with a more cost-effective composite formulation
2Productivity
If Ru is used as oxygen generating catalyst, then high activity is achieved, but durability decreases due to dissolution of Ru during water electrolysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates composite catalyst structures where Ru is combined with other metals (Al, Ta, W, Mo, Sn) or their oxides. The Ru component provides high oxygen generating activity, while the combined metal system forms a more stable structure that resists dissolution during water electrolysis, thereby improving durability while maintaining activity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the local composition and structure of the catalyst particles, creating specific phases and distributions of Ru with other metals or oxides. This local structural optimization ensures that Ru maintains its high catalytic activity while being protected in a stable composite structure that prevents dissolution, thus simultaneously achieving high productivity and reliability
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
This approach achieves high oxygen generating activity and durability while reducing the amount of noble metal required, maintaining catalytic efficiency over a long period and improving the structural stability of the catalyst.
Implementation Method 1
a catalyst having high oxygen generating activity and durability is demanded
Data Source
AI summary
A catalyst of an embodiment includes a porous structure including aggregates of particles containing Ru and metal atoms M different from Ru. The particles are a metal oxide. A metal atom ratio of the metal atom M in a surface region of the porous structure is higher than that of the metal atom M in the porous structure as a whole.