APPLICATIONS OF TECHNOLOGY:
- Components in fuel cells
- Electrolyzers
- Metal-air batteries
ADVANTAGES:
- Uncomplicated, scalable synthetic process
- Optimized use of platinum and other precious metals used in catalysts
- Improved functionality and durability
- Compatible with multiple electrocatalytic material compositions
ABSTRACT:
A Berkeley Lab team led by Peidong Yang has developed a nanoscale electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and, potentially, the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
The Berkeley Lab technology enables spontaneous structural evolution of solid nanoparticles into crystalline nanoframes with controlled size, structure, and composition. The unique geometry and structure of the excavated nanoframe provides the high surface-to-volume ratio needed to increase the functionality of catalytic surfaces and optimize the use of costly precious metals. The excavated nanoframe is compatible with several multimetallic electrocatalytic material compositions including platinum-nickel, platinum-iron, platinum-cobalt, platinum-copper, platinum-rhodium-nickel, and platinum-palladium-nickel.
Efforts to develop effective electrocatalysts have been challenged by the high cost of platinum as well as insufficient activity and durability. Alloying platinum with a transitional metal enhanced precious metal utilization but did not improve activity and durability to a level enabling large-scale commercialization. The Berkeley Lab nanoframe technology overcomes these limitations by exposing specific, highly active crystal surfaces, performing up to 10 times higher than competitive technologies.
DEVELOPMENT STAGE: Proven principle.
STATUS: Published U. S. Patent Application 15/935,331 (Publication No. 2018/0281060). Available for licensing or collaborative research.
SEE THESE OTHER BERKELEY LAB TECHNOLOGIES IN THIS FIELD: