Sunghyun Uhm, H. J. Lee, Y. Kwon, Jaeyoung Lee*

A Stable and Cost-Effective Anode Catalyst Structure for Formic Acid Fuel Cells

Angewandte Chemie International Edition (10.031) Volume 47, p 10163-10166

Cheap and stable: A PtBi catalyst was fabricated in three consecutive electrochemical steps (see picture): electrochemical oxidation of carbon paper to form an adequate catalyst support (1), Pt electrodeposition (2), and underpotential deposition of Bi onto the as-prepared Pt (3). This process resulted in a welldispersed and thin catalyst layer as well as a significantly enhanced power performance with a Pt loading of only 0.5 mgcm^-2.

Research concentrates on the structure, dynamics and reactivity of surfaces and/or interfaces of mainly nanoparticles/wires/tubes in contact with gaseous or liquid phases, but also including thin layers, clusters, as well as 'real' catalysts. We are trying to apply our experience in chemical engineering and basic understanding of electrochemistry and physical chemistry to the development and optimization of a number of processes involving ELECTROCATALYSIS (for (a) HYDROGEN generation, (b) OXYGEN & CO₂ reduction, (c) liquid fuel oxidation) and electrochemical power production, in particular for construction of PORTABLE FUEL CELLS.