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Twinning Strain-Induced Pathway Switching on PtPdRuFe Nanoflowers Enables Efficient Formic Acid Oxidation
Jiale Wan1, Yi Tang1, Linping Hu2
1Chongqing Key Laboratory of Green Synthesis and Applications, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|February 2, 2026
Summary
Twin boundary engineering in PtPdRuFe nanoflowers steers the formic acid oxidation reaction (FAOR) away from CO formation. This enhances direct formic acid fuel cell (DFAFC) performance and catalyst durability.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Catalysis
Background:
- Direct formic acid fuel cells (DFAFCs) face performance limitations due to challenges in regulating the formic acid oxidation reaction (FAOR).
- The CO-poisoning effect remains a significant hurdle for catalyst deactivation in DFAFCs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer twin boundaries (TBs) in PtPdRuFe nanoflowers (NFs) to steer the FAOR pathway.
- To enhance the catalytic activity and durability of catalysts for DFAFCs.
Main Methods:
- Utilized twin boundary engineering in PtPdRuFe nanoflowers.
- Investigated the modulation of d-orbital electronic structure and adsorption affinities.
- Assessed catalytic activity and durability through electrochemical testing.
Main Results:
- Twin boundary engineering successfully steered FAOR towards the non-CO dehydrogenation pathway.
- Enhanced adsorption of HCOO* and OH* intermediates was observed, suppressing CO formation.
- The twin-PtPdRuFe NFs exhibited superior catalytic activity and durability compared to non-twin counterparts and Pt/C.
Conclusions:
- Twin boundary engineering is an effective strategy to optimize FAOR pathways for improved DFAFC performance.
- The developed PtPdRuFe NFs represent highly active and durable electrocatalysts for acid-stable FAOR applications.
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