Scalable pt cluster and ruo2 heterojunction anode catalysts

Abstract

A synthesis process for forming nanodendrites. The nanodendrites are utilized in a process to form a heterojunction catalyst. Nanodendrites may include PtRu 8 nanodendrites that can be oxidized through annealing to form PtRuO 2 . One heterojunction catalyst comprises PtRuO 2 on a carbon support.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A heterojunction catalyst comprising:
 a carbon substrate comprising carbon nanoparticles having a diameter of 20-100 nm; and   a catalytic material supported on the carbon substrate, the catalytic material comprising PtRuO 2 ;   wherein the Pt particles have a diameter of less than 5 nm and the RuO 2  comprises RuO 2  particles have a diameter of 2-20 nm, and   wherein the Pt particles and the RuO 2  particles are atomically connected.   
     
     
         2 . The heterojunction catalyst of  claim 1 , wherein the carbon substrate and catalytic material is 50:1 to 3:1. 
     
     
         3 . The heterojunction catalyst of  claim 1 , wherein the Pt particles have a diameter of 1-5 nm. 
     
     
         4 . The heterojunction catalyst of  claim 3 , wherein the Pt particles have a diameter of 2-3 nm. 
     
     
         4 . The heterojunction catalyst of  claim 1 , wherein the RuO 2  particles have a diameter of 2-3 nm. 
     
     
         6 . The heterojunction catalyst of  claim 1 , wherein each Pt particle is surrounded by the RuO 2  particles. 
     
     
         7 . The heterojunction catalyst of  claim 1 , wherein the PtRuO 2  is uniformly distributed on the carbon substrate.