High-entropy alloyed single-atom Pt for methanol oxidation electrocatalysis.

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Catalysis

Background:

• Methanol oxidation reaction is crucial for direct methanol fuel cells but is limited by CO poisoning of platinum catalysts.
• Current single-atom platinum catalysts prevent CO poisoning but lack intrinsic activity for methanol oxidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel catalyst that combines the benefits of single-atom platinum (CO resistance) with high activity for methanol oxidation.
• To investigate the synergistic effects in high-entropy alloys for improved catalytic performance.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of high-entropy alloyed single-atom platinum catalysts.
• Electrochemical characterization of methanol oxidation reaction activity and durability.
• Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations to elucidate the catalytic mechanism.

Main Results:

• The developed catalyst exhibits a mass activity of 35.3 A mg⁻¹ at 2.3 at% platinum loading.
• High catalytic activity was maintained for over 180,000 seconds, demonstrating excellent durability.
• Experimental and theoretical studies confirmed a synergistic effect within the high-entropy structure that facilitates CO removal.

Conclusions:

• High-entropy alloyed single-atom platinum catalysts offer an efficient and durable solution for methanol oxidation reaction.
• The synergistic effects in the high-entropy structure are key to overcoming CO poisoning and enhancing catalytic activity.
• This strategy presents a cost-effective approach for advanced fuel cell catalysis.