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Updated: Jun 4, 2025

Synthesis of Platinum-nickel Nanowires and Optimization for Oxygen Reduction Performance
Published on: April 27, 2018
Support-Free, Connected Core-Shell Nanoparticle Catalysts Synthesized via a Low-Temperature Process for Advanced
Aparna Chitra Sudheer1, Gopinathan M Anilkumar1,2, Hidenori Kuroki1
1Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Sciences, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 226-8501, Japan.
Researchers developed a novel, low-temperature method for creating support-free palladium core-Pt shell nanoparticle catalysts. These advanced catalysts show significantly improved oxygen reduction reaction activity and durability for fuel cells.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Nanostructured platinum-based catalysts are crucial for fuel cell efficiency.
- Conventional catalysts often rely on carbon supports, which can degrade.
- Developing support-free catalysts with enhanced activity and stability is a key research goal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize novel support-free, connected core-shell nanoparticles using a low-temperature polyol method.
- To investigate the structural and electrochemical properties of palladium core-platinum shell (Pd@Pt) catalysts.
- To evaluate the performance and durability of these catalysts for oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) in fuel cells.
Main Methods:
- A one-pot, low-temperature polyol synthesis approach was employed.
- Fabrication of support-free, interconnected Pd@Pt nanoparticles with controlled Pt shell thickness.
- Electrochemical characterization, including oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity and durability testing (10,000 load cycles).
Main Results:
- The synthesized support-free Pd@Pt catalyst exhibited a stable nanonetwork structure and high surface area.
- Optimized Pd@Pt catalyst (Pt/Pd atomic ratio 0.8, Pt shell thickness 1.1 nm) showed a threefold increase in ORR mass activity compared to commercial Pt/C.
- Demonstrated 100% retention of specific activity after 10,000 load cycles, indicating excellent durability.
Conclusions:
- The novel low-temperature synthesis method enables precise control over nanostructure and Pt shell atomic arrangement.
- Support-free Pd@Pt catalysts overcome carbon corrosion issues, offering superior ORR activity and durability.
- This approach holds significant potential for developing advanced catalysts for polymer electrolyte fuel cells and other energy applications.
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