(373d) 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
ofChemical & 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