Ion-beam method of forming a catalytically active surface

Application: formation of the active surface of electrocatalysts – electrodes for devices of alternative energy: electrolyzers for hydrogen production and low-temperature fuel cells for direct oxidation of methanol and ethanol

The essence of the development: a method of forming an active surface by ion-assisted deposition of catalytic metals in a mode in which an active metal is introduced into a catalytic layer at a nanoscale atomic level under non-equilibrium conditions of treatment with accelerated ions of the deposited metal

Main advantages: the formation of a catalytic layer, firmly bound to the matrix due to the introduction of ions into the crystal lattice, is carried out in vacuum conditions and, as a rule, in one technological step; Provides the introduction of micro-amounts of dopant into the surface layer of the substrate and the formation of active layers with a thickness of about 100 nm with strong adhesion and a low content of activating metal

Main technical characteristics: The deposition of catalytic metals is carried out from the plasma of a vacuum arc discharge of a pulsed ion source in combination with treatment with ions of the deposited metal, accelerated by a voltage of 10-20 kV. The activity of electrocatalysts in the electrolysis of aqueous solutions is comparable, and in the oxidation of organic fuels it exceeds the activity of the platinum electrode.

Comparison with analogues: the content of platinum in the formed active layers is 0.01-0.05 mg / cm2, and in similar foreign electrocatalysts 1-5 mg / cm²

Significance for the Republic of Belarus: production of promising chemical current sources – low-temperature fuel cells for direct oxidation of methanol and ethanol with a solid polymer membrane electrolyte, as well as electrolyzers for producing pure hydrogen

Economic indicators: reduction of labor and energy costs in comparison with traditional methods of obtaining electrocatalysts by 80-90%; reducing the consumption of catalytic metals by 50-100 times; no harmful emissions and high efficiency when generating electricity using fuel cells

Commercial offer: contract for the performance of works