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Synthesis of Platinum-nickel Nanowires and Optimization for Oxygen Reduction Performance
Published on: April 27, 2018
Structurally ordered intermetallic platinum-cobalt core-shell nanoparticles with enhanced activity and stability as
Deli Wang1, Huolin L Xin, Robert Hovden
1Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Baker Laboratory, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.
Nature Materials
|October 30, 2012
Summary
New platinum-cobalt (Pt-Co) nanocatalysts with ordered intermetallic cores and platinum shells significantly boost fuel cell performance. These advanced catalysts show record-breaking activity and durability for the oxygen reduction reaction.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Fuel cells require efficient catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
- Platinum-metal disordered alloys are commonly used but have limitations in performance and durability.
- Optimizing nanocatalyst structure is crucial for advancing fuel cell technology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a novel class of platinum-cobalt (Pt-Co) nanocatalysts.
- To enhance the performance and durability of nanocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel cells.
- To explore ordered intermetallic core-shell structures as an alternative to disordered alloys.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of Pt-Co nanocatalysts with ordered Pt(3)Co intermetallic cores and a thin platinum shell.
- Electrochemical testing to evaluate mass activity and specific activity for the ORR.
- Durability assessment through potential cycling.
- Atomic-scale elemental mapping to confirm structural integrity.
Main Results:
- The novel Pt-Co nanocatalysts demonstrated over 200% increase in mass activity and over 300% increase in specific activity compared to disordered alloys and Pt/C.
- Achieved the highest reported mass activity for Pt-Co systems under similar conditions for the ORR.
- Exhibited minimal activity loss after 5,000 potential cycles, maintaining structural integrity.
- High performance attributed to the Pt-rich shell and stable ordered Pt(3)Co core.
Conclusions:
- Ordered Pt(3)Co intermetallic core-shell nanocatalysts represent a significant advancement in catalyst design.
- This new class of nanocatalysts offers superior activity and stability for the oxygen reduction reaction.
- Provides a promising new direction for optimizing nanocatalyst performance in next-generation fuel cells.
