Nanocomposites as Designed Catalysts for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

摘要

The specific aim of this research project is the development of novel methods for preparing improved catalysts for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). These catalysts consist of metal alloy nanoclusters dispersed onto a conductive carbon support. Synthetic control of the alloy nanocluster composition is achieved by preparing molecular precursors in which the precursor contains two or more metals of a desired stoichiometry. Adsorption of single-source molecular precursors onto Vulcan carbon powder followed by appropriate thermal treatment affords metal alloy or intermetallic/carbon nanocomposites.