Sulfur-Doped Urea Oxidation Catalyst on Metal Substrates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for synthesizing transition metal catalysts for urea oxidation reaction (UOR) are energy-intensive and require complex processes, leading to poor conductivity and stability, which reduces catalytic performance.

Innovation Solution

A single-step metal corrosion method is used to synthesize a sulfur-doped transition metal hydroxide catalyst directly on a metal substrate, utilizing transition metal nitrate precursors and a sulfur precursor, which enhances catalytic performance through a synergistic effect of metal elements without the need for adhesives.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by stationary object

If hydrothermal method or electroplating method is used to synthesize transition metal catalysts, then catalyst can be formed, but the process requires high temperature or pressure and consumes a lot of energy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the reaction parameters from high temperature/pressure hydrothermal conditions to room temperature corrosion conditions. The corrosion method uses spontaneous chemical reactions between metal substrates and corrosive agents (HCl, H2O2) to form catalysts, eliminating the need for energy-intensive heating and pressurization equipment while simplifying the manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The corrosion method utilizes spontaneous self-corrosion of metal substrates in corrosive solutions to form the catalyst structure. The metal substrate automatically reacts with HCl and H2O2 to generate the desired catalyst without requiring external energy input or complex equipment, making the process self-service and energy-efficient

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If powdered catalysts are prepared by hydrothermal method, then catalyst can be synthesized, but the catalyst must be further attached to conductive substrate through adhesive which causes poor conductivity and stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst stabilityVSAvoidprocess steps
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the catalyst synthesis and substrate attachment steps into a single integrated process. The corrosion method directly forms the catalyst on the metal substrate surface, combining what were previously separate steps (catalyst preparation + adhesive attachment) into one unified corrosion treatment, thereby eliminating adhesive-related conductivity and stability issues

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates the adhesive component from the catalyst-substrate system. By using corrosion to directly form the catalyst on the substrate, the method removes the need for adhesive materials that were causing poor conductivity and stability, achieving a cleaner and more reliable catalyst-substrate interface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If multi-doping of transition metals is applied, then catalytic efficiency is improved, but the synthesis process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalytic efficiencyVSAvoidsynthesis process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple metal doping steps into a single corrosion treatment step. By using a corrosive solution containing multiple metal salts (FeCl3, CoCl2, NiCl2), the method simultaneously introduces multiple metal elements during one corrosion process, achieving multi-doped catalysts without requiring separate doping steps for each metal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 method results in a catalyst with high catalytic performance, improved conductivity, and increased reaction stability, offering a rapid and energy-efficient process for urea oxidation.

Implementation Method 1

contacting a metal substrate with a homogeneous solution for performing a metal corrosion reaction to obtain the urea oxidation catalyst

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMetal corrosion: Crevice Corrosion

Data Source

PatentUS12431509B2Catalyst for fuel cells and methods of preparing the same
Publication Date: 2025.09.30 NAT CHENG KUNG UNIV
  • US12431509B2 patent drawing
  • US12431509B2 patent drawing
  • US12431509B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a catalyst for urea oxidation reaction, a method of preparing the same, and a use thereof. The catalyst for urea oxidation reaction includes transition metal oxides forming on a metal substrate, and the transition metals includes Fe, Co, and Ni. The method for preparing the catalyst includes contacting the metal substrate with a homogeneous solution to obtain the catalyst for urea oxidation reaction, and the homogeneous solution includes transition metal nitrate precursors and a sulfur precursor. The method of the present application is a low-cost, high-efficiency, and simple process that can be mass produced.