Background: A novel aerosol-assisted approach for the synthesis of a nanostructured bimetallic Platinum-Ruthenium (Pt-Ru) network is demonstrated in which monodisperse silica is used as a template. This approach allows for a simplified synthesis and short synthesis times. The nanostructured Pt-Ru network is characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and BET surface area measurements. Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) shows enhanced electrocatalytic activity which is believed to improve mass transfer as a result of the nanostructured morphology. Not only is the synthesis process streamlined but aerosolizing a solution of not only the silica but also the Pt and Ru precursors all phases are in intimate contact during synthesis. This is beneficial in that the atomic mixing of Pt and Ru is crucial for electrocatalysis. A key element in the advancement of fuel cell performance is the optimization of the catalytic layer structure to achieve high electrocatalytic activity and effective mass transfer. The different extent of enhancement in electrocatalytic activity and increased surface area among the different aerosol precursor compositions suggests that further optimization of the precursor formulation is crucial to acquire the most advantageously structured material and thus the highest electrochemical activity. This is because the relative amounts of template and metallic phase ultimately determine the final catalyst structure. The viability of this synthesis process is established and will continue to explore the diverse formulations of the precursor solution to create bimetallic networks with superior electrocatalytic activity. Technology Description: A novel aerosol-assisted approach for the synthesis of a nanostructured bimetallic Platinum-Ruthenium (Pt-Ru) network is demonstrated in which monodisperse silica is used as a template. This approach allows for a simplified synthesis and short synthesis times. The nanostructured Pt-Ru network is characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and BET surface area measurements. Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) shows enhanced electrocatalytic activity which is believed to improve mass transfer as a result of the nanostructured morphology. Not only is the synthesis process streamlined but aerosolizing a solution of not only the silica but also the Pt and Ru precursors all phases are in intimate contact during synthesis. This is beneficial in that the atomic mixing of Pt and Ru is crucial for electrocatalysis. A key element in the advancement of fuel cell performance is the optimization of the catalytic layer structure to achieve high electrocatalytic activity and effective mass transfer. The different extent of enhancement in electrocatalytic activity and increased surface area among the different aerosol precursor compositions suggests that further optimization of the precursor formulation is crucial to acquire the most advantageously structured material and thus the highest electrochemical activity. This is because the relative amounts of template and metallic phase ultimately determine the final catalyst structure. The viability of this synthesis process is established and will continue to explore the diverse formulations of the precursor solution to create bimetallic networks with superior electrocatalytic activity. Applications: Fuel cells
1) Simplifying aerosol synthesis process 2) Reduced labor and increased efficiency compared to previous methods 3) All phases of the synthesis Pt and Ru are in intimate contact proving to be beneficial in that the atomic mixing of Pt and Ru is crucial for elctrocatalysis 4) Achieve high electrocatalytic activity and effective mass transfer