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Simple Methods for the Preparation of Non-noble Metal Bulk-electrodes for Electrocatalytic Applications
Published on: June 21, 2017
Electrocatalytic activity of ordered intermetallic phases for fuel cell applications
Emerilis Casado-Rivera1, David J Volpe, Laif Alden
1Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Baker Laboratory, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853-1301, USA.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|March 25, 2004
Summary
Ordered intermetallic phases show superior electrocatalytic activity for fuel cells compared to pure platinum. Platinum-lead (PtPb) demonstrated significantly enhanced performance in methanol oxidation, highlighting potential for advanced fuel cell catalysts.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Catalysis
Background:
- Electrocatalysis is crucial for efficient fuel cell operation.
- Pure platinum (Pt) is a common but limited electrocatalyst.
- Developing novel electrocatalysts is essential for advancing fuel cell technology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the electrocatalytic activities of ordered intermetallic phases.
- To compare their performance against pure polycrystalline platinum (Pt(pc)).
- To identify promising electrocatalysts for fuel cell applications.
Main Methods:
- Systematic study of electrocatalytic activities of various ordered intermetallic phases.
- Comparative analysis with a pure polycrystalline platinum electrode.
- Assessment of oxidation onset potential and current density for different fuels.
Main Results:
- Many ordered intermetallic phases exhibited enhanced electrocatalytic activity over Pt(pc).
- PtBi, PtIn, and PtPb showed significant promise as fuel cell electrocatalysts.
- PtPb demonstrated a 100 mV less positive onset potential and ~40x higher peak current density for methanol oxidation compared to Pt.
Conclusions:
- Ordered intermetallic phases offer tunable geometric and electronic structures for superior electrocatalysis.
- These materials represent a promising avenue for developing advanced fuel cell catalysts.
- PtPb is a particularly effective electrocatalyst for methanol oxidation, warranting further investigation.
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