Grantee Research Project Results

Final Report: Novel Ru-Ni-S Electrode Catalyst for PEMFC

EPA Grant Number: SU831887
Title: Novel Ru-Ni-S Electrode Catalyst for PEMFC
Investigators: Deng, S. , Mulholland, G. , Andersen, P.
Institution: New Mexico State University - Main Campus
EPA Project Officer: Page, Angela
Phase: I
Project Period: September 30, 2004 through May 30, 2005
Project Amount: $10,000
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet (2004) RFA Text |  Recipients Lists
Research Category: Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , P3 Awards , P3 Challenge Area - Air Quality , Sustainable and Healthy Communities

Objective:

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) is the most promising fuel cell technology for automotive and portable power applications; however, the PEMFC’s performance and stability are very sensitive to the trace impurities in the fuels because the PEMFC electrode catalyst (Pt) is very susceptible to trace CO and sulfur compounds in the fuels. The proposed research project is to explore the possibility of replacing electrode catalyst Pt with Ru-Ni-S in the PEMFC that can be fed with high CO and sulfur containing fuels. This will allow us to use the PEMFC with many conventional fuels including gasoline without any complicated fuel purification process. The potential benefits of this project will be very significant in terms of people, prosperity and planet. This project will allow students to participate in a real world research project to address issues of sustainability, environment and people.

Conclusions:

Conclusions on the Novel Catalysts

1. Novel Ru-Ni-S catalysts were synthesized with a wet chemistry method.
2. Novel Ru-Ni-S catalysts were also synthesized with a single step flash pyrolysis method.
3. The Ru-N i-S catalysts have relatively large surface area (>20 m²g), and expected to have high activity for PEM fuel cell applications.
4. A very interesting core and shell configuration with Ru at inside and Ni at the outside was obtained by the high temperature pyrolysE method.
5. Ru-Ni-S catalysts activated at 400 °C showed slightly different phase structure than those activated at 360 °C. They are being evaluated for their activity with a model reaction, and will be tested in a PEM fuel cell unit.
6. A single step process for making carbon supported Ru-Ni-S catalyst for PEM fuel cell is being developed.

Educational Benefits

1. The fuel cell demonstration unit has attracted various interests of graduate, undergraduate students at NMSU. It is being used in undergraduate instrumentation laboratories and also for Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technology class at NMSU.
2. The fuel cell demonstration unit has also attracted various interests of middle school and high school students. It has been an excellent tool for outreach program and recruiting for NMSU.
3. This unit will also serve as primary testing equipment for the novel catalysts developed in this project. It provides good training opportunity on research for both graduate, undergraduate students at NMSU.

Benefits to People, Prosperity and Planet

1. The novel Ru-Ni-S catalyst could replace platinum in the PEM fuel cell, this allow us to save the fast-depleting natural resources platinum for other applications. The reduction in platinum consumption could significantly reduce the cost of PEM fuel cell and increase its affordability to many people.
2. The application of fuel cells in power generation and automotive industries could significantly reduce air pollutions, increase energy conversion efficiency, improve the life standard of people, and extend the life span of our planet.

Recommendations

1. Continue evaluating the catalyst in a microreactor and PEM fuel cell unit.
2. Test the sulfur and carbon monoxide tolerance of the catalyst.
3. Elucidate the mechanism of carbon monoxide tolerance through detail chemical reaction kinetics studies.
4. Test the PEM fuel cell with the Ru-Ni-S as anode catalyst with JP-8 fuel and a onboard reformer.

Supplemental Keywords:

renewable energy, fuel cell, engineering, sustainable development, clean technology, innovative technology, waste reduction, environmental chemistry, oxidant, sulfates, analytical, health effects, human health, ambient air, global climate, adsorption, community-based, socio-economic, conservation, southwest, business and transportation,, Sustainable Industry/Business, RFA, Scientific Discipline, TREATMENT/CONTROL, POLLUTION PREVENTION, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Sustainable Environment, Environmental Engineering, Technology, Energy, proton exchange membrane fuel cell, alternative energy source, energy conservation, fuel cell energy systems, portale power supply, automotive industry, clean technologies, energy storage options, alternative fuel, clean energy, engineering

Relevant Websites:

None.