Rare-earth-based AB5-type hydrogen storage alloys as hydrogen electrode catalysts in alkaline fuel cells

Abstract

Hydrogen oxidation by noble-metal-free, rare-earth-based, AB5-type catalysts was investigated in a double-layer hydrogen anode where the catalyst layer and the gas-diffusion layer were rolled together. The catalytic activity and operational stability were examined in a half-cell with 30 wt% KOH at 55 °C. The electrode had good catalytic activity for hydrogen oxidation and long-term stability over 1600 h at a current density of 40–50 mA/cm2.