Conducting polymer-grafted carbon material for fuel cell applications

(54) CONDUCTING POLYMER-GRAFTED CARBON MATERIAL FOR FUEL CELL APPLICATIONS

(76) Inventor: Bollepalli Srinivas, Marietta, GA (US)

Correspondence Address:
NEEDLE & ROSENBERG, PC.
SUITE 1000

999 PEACHTREE STREET
ATLANTA, GA 30309-3915 (US)

(21) Appl. No.: 10/445,090

(22) Filed: May 23, 2003

Related U.S. Application Data

(60) Provisional application No. 60/382,666, filed on May 23, 2002.

Publication Classification

(51) Int. CI.7 H01M 8/10; H01M 4/86;

H01M 10/40

(52) U.S. CI 429/33; 429/42; 252/62.2;

252/511

(57) ABSTRACT

A composition comprising particulate carbonaceous material and a conducting polymer containing hetero atoms. The composition can further comprise a metal. Devices comprising the composition can be constructed including supported electrocatalysts, membrane electrode assemblies, and fuel cells. A method for preparing the composition comprises oxidatively polymerizing a monomer of a conducting polymer containing hetero atoms in the presence of a carbonaceous material. The method grafts the conducting polymer to the carbonaceous material. The method can further comprise metallizing the polymer-grafted carbonaceous material.