Carbon fiber electrocatalyst for oxidizing ammonia and ethanol in alkaline media and its application to hydrogen production, fuel cells and purification processes

摘要

Electrocatalysts useful for the oxidation of ammonia and ethanol in alkaline media. The electrocatalysts include a carbon support, a first plating layer having a strong affinity for OH, and a second plating layer having a strong affinity for oxidation of ammonia or ethanol. The carbon support may be selected from such materials as carbon fibers, carbon tubes, carbon microtubes, and carbon microspheres. The first plating layer is selected from rhodium, ruthenium, nickel and palladium and combinations thereof. The second plating layer is selected from platinum, indium, and combinations thereof. Also provided are electrolytic cells for the production of hydrogen including one or more electrocatalysts described herein, a basic electrolyte, and ammonia or ethanol. Also provided are ammonia fuel cells and ethanol fuel cells utilizing the electrocatalysts described herein.