Relazione Scientifica finale PRIN 2010-2011 (protocollo: 2010CYTWAW) Membrane nanocomposite avanzate ed elettrocatalizzatori innovativi per celle a combustibile ad elettrolita polimerico a lunga durata, NAMED-PEM (R.E. 55/16)

The overall objective of CNR-ITAE group was to develop cost-effective components for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) with enhanced activity and stability in order to reduce costs and to improve performance and durability. A significant part of the work was addressed towards the development of cost-effective Pd catalysts. Beside this, Pt-Ru anode and Pt cathode catalysts and their modifications (ternary and binary systems, respectively) were optimized in order to provide a higher performance and durability. In this project, a proper tailoring of the morphology, particle size, composition and surface chemistry of the anode catalyst was carried out to stabilize Ru against dissolution. Whereas, the cathodic catalysts were supported on novel, stable and high surface area carbon supports to increase the dispersion, reducing in this way the amount of noble metals. Moreover, non-carbonaceous supports based on Ti-suboxides were developed and used for the cathode catalyst (Pd-based). Recently, non-noble metal catalysts based on Fe-N-C were developed using different approaches and precursors and used as cathodic catalysts, obtaining good performance in particular with high methanol concentrations at the anode.