Surface Engineering of PtSe₂ Crystal for Highly Efficient Electrocatalytic Ethanol Oxidation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Efficient electrocatalysts are vital for direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs), but cost-effectiveness remains a challenge.
• Two-dimensional (2D) materials offer advantages like large surface area and efficient charge transport for electrocatalysis.
• Noble-metal dichalcogenides are an emerging class of 2D materials with potential catalytic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential of 2D PtSe2 as an electrocatalyst for the ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR).
• To investigate the effect of argon plasma treatment on PtSe2's EOR performance.
• To elucidate the microscopic mechanisms behind enhanced EOR activity using an on-chip microelectrochemical platform.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of 2D PtSe2.
• Electrochemical evaluation of pristine and argon plasma-treated PtSe2 for EOR.
• In situ electrical transport measurements to monitor catalytic intermediates.
• Theoretical calculations to confirm experimental observations.

Main Results:

• Pristine PtSe2 exhibits comparable EOR activity to platinum.
• Argon plasma treatment significantly enhances EOR activity, selectivity (I_f/I_b ratio), and durability of PtSe2.
• Plasma treatment exposes the PtSe2 surface, leading to improved catalytic performance and poison resistance.
• Optimized adsorption of hydroxyl (OH_ads) and ethanol molecules on PtSe2 is key to high performance.

Conclusions:

• Noble-metal dichalcogenides, specifically PtSe2, are promising electrocatalysts for EOR.
• Argon plasma treatment is an effective method to enhance the performance of PtSe2 for EOR.
• On-chip microelectrochemical devices provide a valuable platform for studying electrocatalytic processes.