Novel PEM fuel cell catalysts will be screened by laser ablation Fourier transform mass spectrometry

• Laser-ablated metal clusters of known mass will be exposed to variable pressures of hydrogen and/or carbon monoxide for variable duration.
  • Measuring the number of gas molecules adsorbed onto the metal clusters yields competitive adsorption rate.
• Platinum alloys, and non-platinum metals (e.g., W) will be screened for optimal cluster size. The goal is reduction of platinum content and increased resistance to CO poisoning.
• Carbon-supported catalyst material targeting that cluster size range will be synthesized and tested by standard electrochemical methods.

Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) spectrometer

Contact:
Steve Thornberg
smthorn@sandia.gov
(505) 844-8710