Cataler Corporation has filed a patent for a new electrocatalyst specifically designed for hydrogen fuel cell anodes.
The patent lays out the detailed composition of the electrocatalyst, which includes a conductive carrier and a noble metal supported on the carrier. The noble metal comprises a combination of ruthenium and platinum. A critical aspect of this innovation is the precise molar ratio of ruthenium to platinum, specified to range from 0.04 mol/mol to 0.20 mol/mol. The intended outcome of such a configuration is to optimize the catalytic activity and longevity of the fuel cell.
One of the primary goals of this electrocatalyst design is to achieve higher efficiency and durability in hydrogen fuel cells. The systematic inclusion of ruthenium and platinum seeks to enhance the catalytic performance while reducing the amount of expensive platinum needed. By optimizing the Ru/Pt ratio, Cataler Corporation aims to strike a balance between cost-efficiency and performance, a crucial factor in making hydrogen fuel cells more commercially viable.
This patent represents a significant step towards more efficient hydrogen fuel cell technology, potentially accelerating the adoption of hydrogen as a mainstream energy source. By improving the performance and reducing the costs associated with these fuel cells, such innovations could play a pivotal role in reducing global reliance on fossil fuels.