Licensable Technologies : Security & Defense

CATALYST INKS AND METHOD OF APPLICATION FOR DIRECT METHANOL FUEL CELLS

Abstract
LANL scientists have developed a complete fabrication method of membrane electrode-assemblies (MEAs) for direct-methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). The invention consists of two major parts. The first part includes the preparation of high-performing catalyst mixtures (inks) for the DMFC anode and cathode is described. The second part includes techniques for ink application to relevant cell components; in particular, the ionomeric membrane.

Application(s)

• Mobile devices (e.g. laptops, PDAs, mobile phones, satellite phones, video cameras, power tools)
• Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) for computers and servers
• Alternative to generators for backup and primary power sources
• Methane waste conversion

Advantages

• Improved efficiency
• Uniform distribution of catalyst
• Maximized catalyst surface area
• Minimized precious metal catalyst loading

IP Status: Available for Non-Exclusive Licensing

Reference Number: 490

S Number: DOE reference no.(s): 94,635

Patents & Applications:
United States National Patent Number 6696382 Issued on 02/24/2004

Posted: 09-23-2004

Contact
Laura Barber
Technology Transfer Division
Los Alamos National Laboratory
P.O. Box 1663, MailStop C334
(505) 667-9266
ljbb@lanl.gov