Trace Lead Enhanced Platinum Formic Acid Fuel Cell Electrode

OVERVIEW

Georgetown University researchers developed a new Pt-Pb electrocatalyst process for formic acid fuel cells, which outperforms traditional palladium (Pd) systems by enhancing electro-oxidation efficiency through underpotential deposition (UPD). This innovation significantly boosts Pt's catalytic activity, making it up to ten times more effective at converting formic acid into electrical energy. Direct formic acid fuel cells have three key components: an anode, cathode, and electrolyte. The anode and cathode act as electrodes, facilitating electrochemical reactions, while the electrolyte allows ion transfer without reactant mixing. Formic acid is supplied to the anode, with oxygen from air reaching the cathode, triggering reactions that generate electricity, water, heat, and carbon dioxide This cleaner, more efficient process can power portable electronic devices, vehicles, homes, and industries, offering an eco-friendly alternative to combustion-based energy. In the Pt-Pb catalyst-enhanced formic acid fuel cells, trace Pb2+ ions in the electrolyte induce a Pb submonolayer on the Pt anode via UPD. This layer markedly enhances catalytic activity, improving efficiency and stability over Pt alone or Pd black. The catalyst's atomic-level interaction mitigates surface poisoning, maintaining high reaction rates and advancing sustainable energy technologies.

BACKGROUND

Fuel cells convert chemical energy from fuel oxidation into electrical energy. Organic fuel cells, which use liquid fuels like methanol or formic acid (FA), offer advantages over hydrogen fuel cells by simplifying fuel storage and handling. In these cells, the organic fuel oxidizes to carbon dioxide at the anode while oxygen reduces to water at the cathode. Electrocatalysts, particularly noble metals like platinum, enhance these reactions without being consumed. Their performance can be further improved with admetals, which alter the noble metal's surface or electronic structure. Enhancing electrocatalyst performance, especially in formic acid oxidation, can reduce costs and increase the efficiency of fuel cells, promoting wider adoption and contributing to energy sustainability.

Benefit

• Offers a way to reduce platinum demand -reducing the demand for this precious metal.
• Could improve the cost-effectiveness of fuel cells, making them a more attractive option for widespread use, [particularly as energy source for portable electronic devices.
• Data Centers and Tech Companies could enhance reliability and uptime and achieve sustainability goals. Efficient fuel cells can provide a stable power supply, which is crucial for the continuous operation of servers.
• Provide electric and hybrid vehicles with longer ranges, shorter refueling times, and better overall efficiency.

Market Application

• Energy Source for Portable Electronic Devices: Pt-Pb catalyst-enhanced formic acid fuel cells can be used directly as refillable energy source and batteries charger for portable electronic devices.
• Transportation Sector—Automobiles: Incorporating Pt-Pb electrocatalysts in formic acid fuel cells can power electric vehicles (EVs) with higher efficiency and lower emissions than traditional combustion engines.
• Residential Energy Solutions-Home Power Generation: Pt-Pb catalyst-enhanced formic acid fuel cells can be used as compact, efficient power sources for residential buildings. They provide clean electricity and heat with minimal environmental impact, allowing homeowners to reduce their carbon footprint and energy costs.
• Industrial Applications-Backup Power Systems: Industries can use these fuel cells for reliable backup power during grid outages or as part of a hybrid energy system to ensure continuous operation.

Publications

• Provisional Application Filed 62/013,318
• YuYe J. Tong, “Unconventional Promoters of Catalytic Activity in Fuel Cell Electrocatalysis”, Chem. Soc. Rev., 2012, 41, 8195-8209.
• Chang, J. et al., "An Effective Pd-Ni, P/C Anode Catalyst for Direct Formic Acid Fuel Cells," Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 53:12126 (Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co., KGaA, Weinheim, 2014).
• Chen, Q.-S. et al., "Significantly Enhancing Catalytic Activity of Tetrahexahedral Pt Nanocrystals by Bi Adatom Decoration," J. Am. Chem. Soc., 133:12930-12933 (American Chemical Society, USA, 2011).
• Xia, X. H. et al., "Influence of Underpotential Deposited Lead upon the Oxidation of HCOOH in HClO4 at Platinum Electrodes," J. Electrochem. Soc., 140(9):2561-2565 (The Electrochemical Society, Sep. 1993).
• Borup et al., "An ex situ study of electrodeposited lead on platinum," Surface Science, 293:27-34 (193).