Flame spray pyrolysis of tin oxide-based Pt catalysts for PEM fuel cell applications

Abstract

SnO 2 doped with Sb and Nb has been investigated for its use as catalyst support materials replacing carbon to enhance PEM fuel cells stability. Nanostructured powders of various doping levels were prepared by flame spray pyrolysis (FSP). The specific requirements of surface area >50 m 2 g -1 and electronic conductivity >0.01 Scm -1 were obtained, and pore sizes ranging mainly from 10 to 100 nm. Pt particles (9-20 wt.% in loading targeted) of 1 nm well dispersed in Sbdoped SnO 2 was prepared by a one-step FSP procedure providing microstructures of high interest for further investigations as cathode in PEM fuel cells.

Current Status on the Manufacturing of Nanomaterials for Proton Exchange Membrane Energy Systems by Vapor-Based Processes

“…For example, Dahl et al used flame spray pyrolysis to fabricate metal-doped titanium oxide and tin oxide powders as supports for cathode catalysts for PEM fuel cells . In another publication, Dahl et al fabricated a Pt catalyst supported on antimony- and niobium-doped tin oxide supports, which have better corrosion resistance than traditional carbon supports used in PEMFCs . To produce these materials with FSP, tin­(II) 2-ethylhexanoate, antimony­(III) ethoxide, niobium­(V) ethoxide, and platinum­(II) acetylacetonate were used as precursors dissolved in p -xylene and acetone .…”

“…41 In another publication, Dahl et al fabricated a Pt catalyst supported on antimony-and niobium-doped tin oxide supports, which have better corrosion resistance than traditional carbon supports used in PEMFCs. 42 To produce these materials with FSP, tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate, antimony(III) ethoxide, niobium(V) ethoxide, and platinum(II) acetylacetonate were used as precursors dissolved in p-xylene and acetone. 42 As-fabricated catalysts have notably higher specific surface area and better electronic conductivity than the commercial standard.…”

“…42 To produce these materials with FSP, tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate, antimony(III) ethoxide, niobium(V) ethoxide, and platinum(II) acetylacetonate were used as precursors dissolved in p-xylene and acetone. 42 As-fabricated catalysts have notably higher specific surface area and better electronic conductivity than the commercial standard.…”