Licensable Technologies : Security & Defense

Cathode Catalyst for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

Abstract
This invention is a novel direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) cathode material that combines high activity in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) with improved methanol tolerance.

Application(s)
Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFCs) have application in a variety of mobile applications, including consumer electronics (e.g. laptop computers) and automotive transportation. This new technology is beneficial to DMFC designs that use platinum-based catalyst formulations.

Advantages
DMFCs have an advantage over other fuel cell architectures in design simplicity and high energy density. This innovation lowers the precious metal loading required in the cathode for DMFCs. Therefore, the new catalyst material can reduce the catalyst cost per watt of generated electric power.

IP Status: Available for Non-Exclusive Licensing

Reference Number: 459

S Number: DOE reference no.(s): 100,546; 97,829

Patents & Applications:
United States National Patent Number 7101635 Issued on 09/05/2006 United States National Patent Number 7014931 Issued on 03/21/2006

Posted: 10-15-2004

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