Designed synthesis of multi-defective Ti_0.9Cu_0.1N@Pt as a robust catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction

Proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells require cost-effective and robust catalysts capable of withstanding high levels of operation. However, the sluggish cathode oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the high cost and instability of the currently used catalysts present significant challenges for the commercialization of PEMFCs. To address these issues, multi-defective Cu-titanium nitride (Ti_0.9Cu_0.1N) nanospheres with a large surface area are synthesized, and then deposited with a thin layer of Pt, forming a Ti_0.9Cu_0.1N@Pt catalyst. Compared to commercial Pt/C catalysts, this Ti_0.9Cu_0.1N@Pt catalyst demonstrates a 53 mV greater half-wave potential in acidic media, indicating its improved ORR performance. Additionally, the Ti_0.9Cu_0.1N@Pt catalyst can maintain a high mass activity retention of 63% after 6000 accelerating cycle tests, whereas commercial Pt/C catalysts lose 70% of their mass activity. These findings indicate the promising potential for developing and implementing a binary nitride support to enhance Pt utilization in the near future.