Crystalline Mesoporous Films of Titanium Oxides with Various Degree of Substoichiometry for Fuel Cells

The first results of the synthesis of mechanically stable,  crystalline mesoporous films of titanium oxides with various stoichiometry, which will be applied either as an anode or a cathode for fuel cell electrodes, will be presented. The composition of TiO₂ and substoichiomteric Ti_nO_2n-1 Magneli phases which has been obtained in a high temperature and in reductive atmosphere  is expected to have a potential to serve as an anode for enhanced oxidation of organic fuel and to be employed as a cathode when modified with the co-catalyst (NiO/Ni) to allow an effective oxygen reduction. These applications require high degrees of conductivity and a large contact area with the reaction media. In addition, highly crystalline oxides are desired in order to optimize the  properties such as electroactivity or electronic conductivity. The synthesis approach of substoichiometric Ti_nO_2n-1 oxides and the structural characterization in view of their potential application in fuel cell systems will be the objective of the presentation.