Preparation of Highly Active Pt3Ni Nanoctahedra as Electrocatalyst Toward Oxygen Reduction in Fuel Cells

 Technology Overview:

 A novel wet-chemical approach is employed to prepare monodisperse Pt3Ni nanoctahedra and PtCu nanocubes terminated with specific facets. The oxygen reduction reaction activity on the Pt3Ni is ~ 5.1 folds higher than that of nanocubes with a similar size. A particular, scalable reaction introduces tungsten (W) or other shape control and separation agents, which also ensure a steady growth of particles. Other transition metals used in the bimetallic compositions are cobalt and iron.

 Advantages:

 

• Reaction is easily conducted and scaled-up.
• Low platinum & high activity.
• Long life-time of catalyst.
• Can produce large quantity of PtNi nanoparticles that exhibit very high oxygen reduction activity and are promising for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs).

 

 Applications:

 List of potential uses or markets.

Intellectual Property Summary:

• U.S. 8,741,801