An Application of Neutron Diffraction for the Development of Non-platinum Catalysts used for Polymer-electrolyte Fuel Cells

Abstract

As an example for industrial applications of neutron techniques, we report the result of our catalytically-active-site analysis with powder neutron diffraction for tantalum-oxide-based oxygen reduction electrocatalysts, which are expected to be used for future fuel-cell powered vehicles. Owing to the higher sensitivity of neutrons to oxygen, we were able to specify the possible active sites of the catalysts, which consist of oxygen-vacancy structural defects.