Study of New Materials of the Nickel Boride Type for Use as Fuel Cell Anodes

摘要

The main objective of this investigation was the characterization of nickel boride, nickel, and Raney nickel materials which are used as electrocatalysts for fuel cells. Preparation of Ni2B, Ni, Raney Ni: Ni2B was prepared by adding a solution of potassium borohydride to one of a nickel salt. The effect of the nickel salt, the pH of the solution, the rate of KBH4 addition, and the mode of drying (in air or under vacuum) were investigated. The decomposition of nickel formate yielded nickel blacks with surface areas, typically 50 to 70 sq.m./g. Raney nickel was prepared by decomposing a nickel aluminum alloy with potassium hydroxide. The resulting nickel black contained varying amounts of aluminum and alumina, depending on experimental conditions. The amounts of both substances were reduced by chemical and electrochemical leaching procedures. Typical areas were 60 to 100 sq.m./g. (Author)