Pd@PtRuNi core-shell nanowires as oxygen reduction electrocatalysts.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Fuel cells offer efficient, low-pollution energy conversion, but require effective catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
• Cost-effective and high-performance ORR catalysts are crucial for widespread fuel cell adoption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop advanced core-shell nanostructures for enhanced ORR catalysis.
• To improve platinum atom utilization and catalytic efficiency in fuel cells.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of Pd@PtRuNi core-shell bilayer nanowires using palladium nanowires as templates.
• Electrochemical characterization of the synthesized nanostructures for ORR activity and durability in alkaline media.
• Evaluation against U.S. 2025 Department of Energy (DOE) targets.

Main Results:

• Pd@PtRuNi nanowires exhibited a mass activity of 1.62 A/mgmetal at 0.9 V vs. RHE, significantly outperforming pristine Pd NWs and commercial Pt/C.
• The nanostructures demonstrated excellent durability, with only 13.58% degradation after accelerated durability tests.
• Performance exceeded U.S. 2025 DOE targets for ORR activity and durability.

Conclusions:

• The Pd@PtRuNi core-shell bilayer nanowires represent a highly efficient and durable ORR catalyst.
• Synergistic effects between Ni/Ru ligand effects and the 1D structure enhance electronic properties and stability.
• This advancement is promising for the commercial development of fuel cells.