Title

Application of density functional theory to CO tolerance in fuel cells: a brief review

Authors

Authors

S. Stolbov; M. A. Ortigoza;T. S. Rahman

Comments

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Abbreviated Journal Title

J. Phys.-Condes. Matter

Keywords

OXYGEN REDUCTION REACTION; TOTAL-ENERGY CALCULATIONS; ACTIVATION-ENERGIES; CATALYTIC-ACTIVITY; EPITAXIAL-GROWTH; ALLOY; SURFACES; ELECTRON-GAS; ELECTROCATALYSTS; PD; OXIDATION; Physics, Condensed Matter

Abstract

The large scale practical application of fuel cells in the hydrogen economy is possible only with a dramatic reduction of the cost and significant improvement of the electrocatalytic properties of the electrodes. This can be achieved through rational design of new materials, which requires an understanding of the microscopic mechanisms underlying electrocatalysis. We review briefly some applications of density functional theory (DFT) to this problem, with particular reference to the observed high CO tolerance of Pt-Ru-based anodes. These DFT-based calculations trace the changes in the surface electronic structure and the energy landscape induced by formation of Pt islets on facets of Ru nanoparticles which lead to the preferred diffusion of CO from Pt sites to Ru, where it exhibits a high rate of reaction with hydroxyls, which are generally present. We also consider the energetics of stabilization of the Pt islets on the Ru nanoparticles.

Journal Title

Journal of Physics-Condensed Matter

Volume

21

Issue/Number

47

Publication Date

1-1-2009

Document Type

Review

Language

English

First Page

9

WOS Identifier

WOS:000271519200028

ISSN

0953-8984

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