Patent ID: 7696121
Filing Date: 2010-04-13
Classification: H01M,Y02E,Y02P,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of producing electricity, comprising: a) providing a cathode made from an electrically conductive material, the cathode having a surface capable of producing surface enhanced Raman scattering of incident light from an adsorbate applied to the surface of the cathode, the adsorbate being substantially reducible and not substantially oxidizable; b) operably coupling the cathode to a first portion of an electrolyte of an electrochemical fuel cell; c) operably coupling an anode to a second portion of the electrolyte; d) exposing the cathode to an oxygen source; e) exposing the anode to a fuel source; and f) irradiating the cathode so that electrical current flows across the cathode in a steady state of operation.