Non-noble metal catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction

Abstract

Non-noble metal transition metal catalysts can replace platinum in the oxidation reduction reaction (ORR) used in electrochemical fuel cells. A Ru x Se catalyst is prepared with comparable catalytic activity to platinum. An environmentally friendly aqueous synthetic pathway to this catalyst is also presented. Using the same aqueous methodology, ORR catalysts can be prepared where Ru is replaced by Mo, Fe, Co, Cr, Ni and/or W. Similarly Se can be replaced by S.

1 - 6 . (canceled)  
     
     
         7 . A non-noble transition metal catalyst prepared by: 
 dissolving selenium and Ru 3 (CO) 12  in an organic solvent;    refluxing the organic solvent;    obtaining a precipitate; and    heating the precipitate to a temperature greater than or equal to 600° C. under an inert atmosphere.    
     
     
         8 . The catalyst of  claim 7  wherein the catalyst is supported.  
     
     
         9 . An electrochemical fuel cell comprising a non-noble transition metal catalyst at the cathode wherein the catalyst is prepared by the method of  claim 7 .  
     
     
         10 - 22 . (canceled)  
     
     
         23 . A non-noble transition metal catalyst prepared by: 
 dissolving a metal salt in an aqueous solution, the metal is ruthenium, molybdenum, iron, cobalt, chromium, nickel or tungsten;    precipitating the metal;    introducing a chalcogen, the chalcogen being sulfur or selenium; and    reacting the precipitated metal with the chalcogen by heating under an inert atmosphere.    
     
     
         24 . The catalyst of  claim 23  wherein the catalyst is supported.  
     
     
         25 . An electrochemical fuel cell comprising a non-noble transition metal catalyst of  claim 23  at the cathode.  
     
     
         26 . An electrochemical fuel cell stack comprising at least one electrochemical fuel cell of  claim 24.