Synthesis of nanomaterial by spark discharge for hydrogen technologies

Technology description

Export PDF

The name of the technology:	Synthesis of nanomaterial by spark discharge for hydrogen technologies
Challenge:	Hydrogen fuel cells are expected to be widely used in the emerging hydrogen economy, in which hydrogen fuel cells are the energy source not only for cars, but may also serve as backup power units (e.g. in hospitals, telecommunications) or power small electronic devices. Fuel cells and electrolyser cells of the PEM type (with a polymer electrolytic membrane) are among the most promising. Our novel approach increases efficiency of these electrochemical devices and lowers associated manufacturing costs.
Description:	Innovative process for manufacturing and deposition of nanoparticles used for catalytic layers of a hydrogen fuel cell enhancing efficiency while significantly lowering the amount of associated waste products. The new method enables continuous production of nanoparticles by very fast repetition of the spark discharge. The gas stream carries the formed particles onto the functional layer, which can moreover be easily formed from more than one metal. The very small particle size makes it possible to reduce the amount of precious metal used while maintaining the necessary properties, which reduces costs. The currently used methods of nanoparticle preparation require vacuum and lengthy batch chemical preparation by wet process.
Commercial opportunity:	PEM fuel cells for a broad range of applications (cars, backup power supplies, small electronic devices) as well as PEM electrolysers (hydrogen production).
IP protection status:	National patent application (published in 2017) Two national utility models (submitted in 2020)
Development status:	Phase 2 Corresponds with TRL 3 and TRL 4 Feasibility study. There is a realistic design of the technology and the initial tests in the laboratory are leading to the specification of the technology requirements and its capabilities. TRL 3 represents a complete idea of a technology with the design of concrete steps, tests and experiments that will need to be carried out to verify that the idea is realistic TRL 4 is a verification of functionality in the laboratory. The result of TRL 4 is the so-called Proof-of-Concept. Technology is therefore designed and tested for its functionality under limited conditions
Partnering strategy:	Collaboration licensing
More information:	Main benefits: • Vacuum is not needed for continuous production of nanoparticles • Nanoparticles can be easily formed from more than one metal • Reducing the amount of precious metal used while maintaining the necessary properties • Cost reduction
Images:	No picture inserted
Categories:	Nanotechnology Mechanical Engineering
Owner of a technology:	Ústav termomechaniky AV ČR, v.v.i.