Novel methods of stabilization of Raney-Nickel catalyst for fuel-cell electrodes

Two new methods of stabilizing Raney-Nickel (Raney-Ni) catalyst for making fuel-cell anodes were studied. In the first method, the catalyst was oxidized with aqueous H₂O₂ solution, while in the second, oxygen/air (O₂/air) was used in a slurry reactor. Effects of different concentrations of H₂O₂ (5-25 wt.%) and different pressures (10-20 psig) of gas were investigated. The stabilized catalyst was characterized using BET surface area, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The catalyst was used in fuel-cell anodes and the electrochemical performance was determined in an alkaline half-cell. The results were compared with electrodes prepared using conventionally stabilized catalysts. The hydrogen peroxide-treated catalyst has higher BET surface area and produces electrodes with lower polarization. In addition to this, H₂O₂ treatment is convenient, fast and needs simple equipment which involves no instrumentation. Use of oxygen in a slurry reactor to stabilize the catalyst is also convenient but electrode performance is relatively poor.