Electrocatalyst for fuel cell-electrode, fuel cell using the same and method for producing electrocatalyst

Abstract

An electrocatalyst for use in a fuel cell includes a carbon material as base support. An intermediate support with surface asperities is provided at least on a portion of the surface of the carbon material. Pt or a Pt-containing alloy particles supported on the intermediate or on the intermediate and the carbon material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an Embodiment of a fuel cell power supply system according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows an Embodiment for a structure of a fuel cell according to the invention;

FIG. 3 shows an outline of a fuel cell power supply with a cartridge holder according to the invention;

FIG. 4 shows an Embodiment of a fuel chamber structure according to the invention;

FIG. 5 shows an Embodiment of an exhaust gas module according to the invention;

FIG. 6 shows an Embodiment of a fuel chamber/exhaust gas module integrated structure according to the invention;

FIG. 7 shows an Embodiment of an anode end plate structure according to the invention;

FIG. 8 shows an Embodiment of a cathode end plate structure according to the invention;

FIG. 9 shows an Embodiment of a current collector/cathode end plate integrated structure according to the invention;

FIG. 10 shows an Embodiment of an anode current collector structure according to the invention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a structural model of a catalyst material according to the invention;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view for a structure of MEA and a diffusion layer according to the invention;

FIG. 13 shows an Embodiment of a gasket structure according to the invention;

FIG. 14 shows an Embodiment of the outline of a fuel cell according to the invention;

FIG. 15 shows an Embodiment of a structure in which MEA is disposed to an integrated fuel chamber/anode end plate according to the invention;

FIG. 16 shows an Embodiment of a cathode end plate structure with a current collector according to the invention; and

FIG. 17 shows an Embodiment of a structure of a mobile information terminal having a fuel cell according to the invention mounted thereto.

Claims

1. An electrocatalyst for use in a fuel cell including a carbon material, an intermediate with surface asperities at least on a portion of the surface of the carbon material, and Pt or a Pt-containing alloy particles supported on the intermediate or on the intermediate and the carbon material.

2. The electrocatalyst for use in a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the specific surface area per unit weight of the intermediate is from 5 to 100 times the specific surface area per unit weight of the carbon material.

3. The electrocatalyst for use in a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate comprises a single crystal, polycrystal, or amorphous body of a metal containing at least one element selected from Au, Ag, Cu, Pd, Rh, Ir, Ru, Os, Ni, Co, and Ti, or an alloy thereof.

4. The electrocatalyst for use in a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate is from 50 to 90 wt % based on the entire weight of the electrocatalyst.

5. The electrocatalyst for use in a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate has a catalysis effect or a co-catalysis effect to CO oxidation reaction.

6. The electrocatalyst for use in a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the supported Pt is from 1 to 25 wt % based on the entire weight of the electrocatalyst.

7. The electrocatalyst for use in a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate comprises a single crystal, polycrystal or amorphous body of oxides, nitrides, sulfides, borides, or silicides containing at least one element selected from Ti, W, Nb, and Ta.

8. The electrocatalyst for use in a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the carbon has a specific surface area of from 1 to 200 m2/g, has no or less pores present on the surface, or has a pore diameter on the surface of from 5 to 100 nm.

9. The electrocatalyst for use in a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the carbon material has a tubular or fibrous shape.

10. The electrocatalyst for use in a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate is formed by electrochemical reaction in a liquid phase.

11. The electrocatalyst for use in a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the Pt or Pt-containing alloy is supported by electrochemical reaction in the liquid phase.

12. An electrocatalyst for use in a fuel cell including a fibrous carbon, a metal of a not uniform thickness and adsorbing in an electrical joined state with the fibrous carbon to at least a portion of the surface of the fibrous carbon, and catalytic particles supported on the fibrous carbon and/or the metal.

13. The electrocatalyst for use in a direct methanol type fuel cell according to claim 12, wherein the metal is capable of eliminating CO.

14. A direct methanol type fuel cell, including the electrocatalyst according to claim 13, wherein the metal is Ru.

15. A membrane electrode assembly including an electrode catalyst layer, the electrode catalyst layer comprises the electrocatalyst according to claim 1.

16. A fuel cell including the membrane electrode assembly according to claim 15.

17. The fuel cell according to claim 16, wherein hydrogen and/or hydrocarbon compound is used as the fuel.

18. A method of manufacturing an electrocatalyst for use in a fuel cell, comprising steps of: forming an intermediate on the surface of carbon by electrochemical reaction in a liquid phase, and supporting Pt or a Pt-containing alloy on the surface of the intermediate or on the intermediate and carbon.

19. The manufacturing method of an electrocatalyst for use in a fuel cell according to claim 18, wherein the Pt or a Pt-containing alloy is supported on the intermediate or on the surface of the intermediate and carbon by electrochemical reaction in liquid phase.

20. The manufacturing method of an electrocatalyst for use in a fuel cell according to claim 18, wherein the specific surface area per unit weight of the electrocatalyst is made by from 5 to 100 times that of the carbon by the intermediate.