Thermodynamically stable binary oxide doped with lower valence element, its synthesis and application in electrochemical devices

摘要

It is the aim of the present invention to provide a support material for applications in fuel cell, metal-air battery, electrolyzer electrodes and sensors showing relative high surface area and good electrical conductivity as well as both high dissolution and electrochemical stability.;This aim is achieved according to the present invention by a support material for electrochemical applications, such as fuel cells, metal-air batteries, electrolyzer electrodes and sensors, having a composition of a semiconducting metal or transition metal oxide being doped with a lower valence element according to a general formula that is formulated as:(M^Y)_1-X(D^z)_xO_2-δ, where M is a metal or transition metal in Y oxidation state and D represents the lower valence element with an oxidation state with ZY and δ represents the oxygen vacancies in the lattice and at the surface of the support material.;Doped metal or transition metal oxides represent best candidates as support materials because they provide both dissolution and electrochemical stability under the relevant conditions of oxygen electrode, as well as achieve high conductivity and high surface area.