Structurally Ordered PtNi Intermetallic Nanoparticles as Efficient and Stable Cathode Catalysts for Proton Exchange...

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Catalysis

Background:

• Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) require efficient and stable oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts.
• Current catalysts face challenges in performance and durability, hindering widespread fuel cell adoption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize novel, highly active, and stable ORR catalysts for PEMFCs.
• To investigate the role of graphitized carbon support and ordered PtNi nanoparticles (NPs) in enhancing catalytic properties.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of graphitized carbon support using a Ni catalyst at low temperatures.
• Preparation of ordered PtNi NPs on graphitized carbon via polyol reduction and thermal treatment.
• Electrochemical characterization of the synthesized PtNi/GC-700 catalyst for ORR performance and stability.

Main Results:

• The PtNi/GC-700 NPs catalyst demonstrated significantly enhanced ORR activity, with specific and mass activities 2.8-fold and 3.7-fold higher than commercial Pt/C.
• The catalyst exhibited superior long-term stability, showing negligible degradation after 10,000 potential cycles.
• The ordered chemical structure and graphitized carbon support contributed to the improved performance and durability.

Conclusions:

• Structurally ordered PtNi NPs on graphitized carbon are promising cathodic catalysts for efficient and durable PEMFCs.
• The findings highlight the potential of tailored catalyst design for advancing fuel cell technology.