Continuous Surface Strain Regulation in Trimetallic PtPbRu/Pt Nanoplates for Promoted Formic Acid Oxidation Catalysis

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Efficient catalysis for the formic acid oxidation reaction (FAOR) in direct formic acid fuel cells (DFAFCs) is critical but challenging.
• Controlling surface strain in platinum (Pt)-based nanomaterials is a key strategy for improving FAOR catalysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a continuous surface tensile strain modulation strategy for Pt-based nanomaterials.
• To achieve superior activity, stability, CO resistance, and direct pathway selectivity for DFAFCs.

Main Methods:

• Atomic-level analysis to control biaxial strain in Pt shells by partial substitution of Pb with Ru atoms in the intermetallic core.
• Fabrication of optimized 2.4%-PtPbRu/Pt nanoplates/C catalysts.

Main Results:

• The optimized catalyst demonstrated a mass activity 100 times higher than commercial Pt/C for FAOR.
• Achieved a 3.2 times greater power density and unprecedented long-term stability at 0.4 V.
• Ru incorporation enhanced tensile strain, downshifted Pt-5d orbitals, weakened CO* adsorption, and promoted HCOO* adsorption for the direct formate pathway.

Conclusions:

• The developed strain modulation strategy overcomes the traditional strain-performance limitations of Pt-based catalysts.
• Provides an atomic-scale design blueprint for efficient anodic catalysts in DFAFCs.
• Represents a significant advancement in FAOR catalysis for fuel cell applications.