Resilient Composite Carbon Nanotube and Titania Catalyst Supports for the Electrochemical Hydrogen Pump

摘要

The electrochemical hydrogen pump is a device used for the separation and compression of hydrogen fuel. Purification of hydrogen from dilute streams which also contain impurities that poison the catalyst is a specific concern. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a common contaminant that can persist in reformate hydrogen derived from natural gas or other organic fuels and severely limit the reactivity of platinum (Pt) electrocatalysts even at small concentrations (～ 100 ppm). The losses in performance can be recovered, but require a cleaning process which is corrosive to the electrocatalyst. Increasing the resistance of electrocatalysts to corrosion while also improving their tolerance to CO has been accomplished through a composite support approach.