Development and Testing of a Novel Cu-Based ORR Catalyst within An Acidic Fuel Cell

Development and testing of a novel Cu-based ORR catalyst within an acidic fuel cell

Matt S. Naughton, Matt A. Thorseth, Andrew A. Gewirth, and Paul J. A. Kenis

Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering,

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign,

600 S. Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.

Section: Alternate Fuels and New Technology (16D)

Session: 16D03 Fuel Cell Technology

(Funding from DOE – science)

Fuel cells hold promise as alternative power sources due to their ability to bypass Carnot efficiency limitations by directly converting chemical energy into electrical energy.  However, the high costs of Pt catalysts and membranes, as well as component durability issues, have barred widespread implementation [1].  A key area for cost reduction is the development of novel cathode catalysts, which can greatly reduce fuel cell costs [2].  In addition to these cost advantages, non-Pt catalysts are often more tolerant to contaminants such as methanol at the cathode.  Copper-based ORR catalysts have shown promise in alkaline media, but a high-performance catalyst has not yet been successfully demonstrated in acidic media [3].

Previously, we developed a pH-flexible flowing electrolyte microfluidic fuel cell, which uses an external reference electrode to individually analyze cathode and anode performance [1].  This microfluidic configuration combines the versatility of a traditional three electrode cell with the conditions found in an operating fuel cell, allowing for in-situ studies of catalyst and electrode performance.  External control over the flowing electrolyte stream allows for controlled introduction of contaminants and maintains their concentrations over the course of experimentation [4].

Here, we present our work on the development and testing of a novel Cu-based ORR catalyst operating in an acidic fuel cell.  The effects of varied loading and catalyst forms are demonstrated.  The catalyst performance in the presence of contaminants such as methanol and ethanol is quantified.  Development of this catalyst has the potential to reduce the cost of acidic fuel cell systems and improve the understanding of Cu-based ORR catalysis.

[1] Brushett et al., Journal of the Electrochemical Society, 2009, 156, B565

[2] Gewirth et al., Inorganic Chemistry, 2010, 49, 3557-3566
[3] Thorum et al., Angewandte Chemie, 2009, 121, 171-173

[4] Naughton et al., Journal of Power Sources, 2011, 196, 1762-1768