SYNTHESIS OF STABLE AND DURABLE CATALYST COMPOSITION FOR FUEL CELL

摘要

Provided is a catalyst composition comprising an intermetallic phase comprising Pt and a metal selected from either Nb or Ta, and a dioxide of the metal. Also provided is a low temperature method for making such compositions that results in the formation of intermetallic phase with small crystallite size and thus greater mass activity. In particular, a Pt3Nb-NbO2 catalyst composition can be prepared that is useful as a fuel cell catalyst and offers a very stable chemical substrate along with good electrode activity and remarkable durability. The use of Pt3Nb-NbO2 can considerably prolong fuel cell lifetime by reducing Pt dissolution levels and subsequent voltage losses. The Pt3Nb-NbO2 can be used in the cathode and/or anode of a fuel cell.