PtCu/Pt core/atomic-layer shell hollow octahedra for oxygen reduction and methanol oxidation electrocatalysis

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Direct methanol proton exchange membrane fuel cells (DMFCs) require highly active and durable electrocatalysts.
• Platinum-based catalysts (Pt/C) are benchmarks but face challenges in cost and performance for DMFCs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize novel bifunctional electrocatalysts that surpass the performance of Pt/C for DMFCs.
• To investigate the catalytic activity of engineered catalysts in oxygen reduction and methanol oxidation reactions.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of H-PtCu/Pt_L OH catalysts featuring a sub-nanometer Pt(111) shell with Cu- and Co-vacancies.
• Electrochemical characterization of catalyst activity in acidic media for oxygen reduction and methanol oxidation.

Main Results:

• The designed H-PtCu/Pt_L OH catalysts demonstrated high activity in both acidic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and methanol oxidation reaction (MOR).
• The presence of Cu- and Co-vacancies within the Pt(111) shell layer significantly enhanced catalytic performance.

Conclusions:

• Engineered H-PtCu/Pt_L OH catalysts offer a promising alternative to benchmark Pt/C for DMFC applications.
• The vacancy engineering strategy is effective for developing advanced bifunctional electrocatalysts for fuel cells.