High-Entropy Intermetallic PtRhBiSnSb Nanoplates for Highly Efficient Alcohol Oxidation Electrocatalysis

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Controlling atomic-level multimetallic ensembles in high-entropy alloys (HEAs) is complex.
• Developing efficient catalysts for liquid fuel electrooxidation is crucial for energy applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a novel hexagonal-close-packed (hcp) PtRhBiSnSb high-entropy intermetallic (HEI) nanoplate.
• To evaluate the HEI nanoplates as a multifunctional electrocatalyst for alcohol oxidation reactions in alkaline media.

Main Methods:

• One-pot synthesis of PtRhBiSnSb HEI nanoplates.
• Electrochemical testing for methanol, ethanol, and glycerol oxidation.
• Theoretical calculations to understand catalytic mechanisms.

Main Results:

• The PtRhBiSnSb HEI nanoplates demonstrated high mass activity for methanol (19.529 A mg^-1 _Pt+Rh), ethanol (15.558 A mg^-1 _Pt+Rh), and glycerol (7.535 A mg^-1 _Pt+Rh) electrooxidation.
• Achieved record-high methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) activity in an alkaline environment.
• Theoretical analysis revealed enhanced electron transfer and robust active sites due to synergistic effects.

Conclusions:

• The PtRhBiSnSb HEI nanoplates represent a state-of-the-art multifunctional electrocatalyst for alcohol oxidation.
• The study advances the development of well-defined HEAs with controlled compositions and properties for enhanced catalytic performance.