Development of Catalyst-electrolyte Integrated Nanofibers for Next-generation Fuel Cells

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K18286
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Reaction engineering/Process system
• Research Institution: Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Sclence and Technology (2017); Kanagawa Academy of Science and Technology (2016)
• Principal Investigator: Kuroki Hidenori 地方独立行政法人神奈川県立産業技術総合研究所, 高効率燃料電池開発グループ, サブリーダー (70716597)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: 固体高分子形燃料電池 / プロトン伝導体 / 白金合金触媒 / ナノネットワーク / 酸素還元反応 / カーボンフリー / 触媒層 / 三相界面

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study developed the new integrated material including all functions for a catalyst layer of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). This all-in-one material comprises a platinum-iron (Pt-Fe) nano-network by the connected Pt-Fe nanoparticles covered on a zirconium (Zr)-based nanofiber. A Pt-Fe network functions as catalytic reaction site and electro-conductor, while a Zr-based nanofiber functions as proton-conductor. The prepared Zr-based nanofiber exhibited high ion-exchange capacity and moderate proton conductivity. This nanofiber was thermally stable up to ca. 400 °C. Moreover, the Pt-Fe nano-network on the nanofiber improved the catalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction, compared with the conventional Pt nanoparticle catalyst. The integrated material could improve platinum utilization in catalyst layers due to the effective formation of three-phase boundary. Therefore, the catalyst-electrolyte integrated nanofiber is a promising candidate for next-generation PEFCs.

Free Research Field

化学工学