Composition-Dependent Electrocatalytic Activity of Pt-Cu Nanocube Catalysts for Formic Acid Oxidation

Promoting the Electrocatalytic Ethanol Oxidation Activity of Pt by Alloying with Cu

The development and commercialization of direct ethanol fuel cells requires active and durable electro-catalysts towards the ethanol oxidation reactions (EOR). Rational composition and morphology control of Pt-based alloy nanocrystals can not only enhance their EOR reactivity but also reduce the consumption of precious Pt. Herein, PtCu nanocubes (NCs)/CB enclosed by well-defined (100) facets were prepared by solution synthesis, exhibiting much higher mass activity (4.96 A mgPt−1) than PtCu nanoparticles (NPs)/CB with irregular shapes (3.26 A mgPt−1) and commercial Pt/C (1.67 A mgPt−1). CO stripping and in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) experiments indicate that the alloying of Cu enhanced the adsorption of ethanol, accelerated the subsequent oxidation of intermediate species, and increased the resistance to CO poisoning of PtCu NCs/CB, as compared with commercial Pt/C. Therefore, alloying Pt with earth-abundant Cu under rational composition and surface control can optimize its surface and electronic structures and represents a promising strategy to promote the performance of electro-catalysts while reduce the use of precious metals.

Pt–Cu nanoalloy catalysts: compositional dependence and selectivity for direct electrochemical oxidation of formic acid

A PtCu3 nanoalloy catalyst showed much enhanced catalytic activity for the direct electrochemical oxidation of formic acid compared to a commercial platinum catalyst.

Facile dual tuning of PtPdP nanoparticles by metal-nonmetal co-incorporation and dendritic engineering for enhanced formic acid oxidation electrocatalysis

Tuning the compositions and morphologies of catalysts is very important for the design of efficient formic acid oxidation reaction (FAOR) electrocatalysts. Herein, unique PtPdP dendritic nanoparticles (PtPdP DNs) with uniform size and open-pore structure are fabricated by a facile method, in which the Pd and P elements are simultaneously incorporated into Pt DNs. The prepared PtPdP DNs show enhanced catalytic activity and stability for FAOR. The improved electrocatalytic activity toward FAOR for the PtPdP DNs is mainly attributed to the synergic enhancement effect of the structural and compositional advantages, which jointly promote the electrocatalytic kinetics and thus enhance the electrocatalytic performance.

Seed-mediated synthesis of Au@PtCu nanostars with rich twin defects as efficient and stable electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation reaction

Pt-based nanocrystals with a twinned structure are highly desirable to achieve high performances in both catalytic activity and durability for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). However, it still remains great challenge for producing such twinned nanocrystals due to the high internal strain energy of Pt. Here we present a seed-mediated approach to generate Au@PtCu nanostars with a five-fold twinned structure using Au decahedra as seeds. The composition of Pt/Cu in the nanocrystals was tuned by varying the molar ratio of Pt to Cu salt precursors with the amount of Au seeds being the same. Through composition optimization, Au@Pt1.2Cu nanostars achieved the highest specific (1.06 mA cm-2) and mass (0.18 mA mgPt -1) activities for MOR, which were about 5.9 and 1.6 times higher than those of commercial Pt/C, respectively. After accelerated stability test (ADT) for 1500 cycles, such nanostars remained ∼95% of specific activity compared to a loss of ∼28% for commercial Pt/C, indicting their superior durability for MOR. We believed that this enhancement may arise from the unique twinned structure and possible synergetic effect between Pt and Cu components.

Achieving Highly Durable Random Alloy Nanocatalysts through Intermetallic Cores

Pt catalysts are widely studied for the oxygen reduction reaction, but their cost and susceptibility to poisoning limit their use. A strategy to address both problems is to incorporate a second transition metal to form a bimetallic alloy; however, the durability of such catalysts can be hampered by leaching of non-noble metal components. Here, we show that random alloyed surfaces can be stabilized to achieve high durability by depositing the alloyed phase on top of intermetallic seeds using a model system with PdCu cores and PtCu shells. Specifically, random alloyed PtCu shells were deposited on PdCu seeds that were either the atomically random face-centered cubic phase (FCC A1, Fm3m) or the atomically ordered CsCl-like phase (B2, Pm3m). Precise control over crystallite size, particle shape, and composition allowed for comparison of these two core@shell PdCu@PtCu catalysts and the effects of the core phase on electrocatalytic durability. Indeed, the nanocatalyst with the intermetallic core saw only an 18% decrease in activity after stability testing (and minimal Cu leaching), whereas the nanocatalyst with the random alloy core saw a 58% decrease (and greater Cu leaching). The origin of this enhanced durability was probed by classical molecular dynamics simulations of model catalysts, with good agreement between model and experiment. Although many random alloy and intermetallic nanocatalysts have been evaluated, this study directly compares random alloy and intermetallic cores for electrocatalysis with the enhanced durability achieved with the intermetallic cores likely general to other core@shell nanocatalysts.

Tailored dendritic platinum nanostructures as a robust and efficient direct formic acid fuel cell anode

Engineering of platinum structures with precisely controlled morphology provides an excellent opportunity to efficiently tailor their catalytic performance, greatly improving their durability and activity.

Highly Active and Durable Cu x Au(1-x) Ultrathin-Film Catalysts for Nitrate Electroreduction Synthesized by Surface-Limited Redox Replacement

Cu _x Au_(1-x) bimetallic ultrathin-film catalysts for nitrate electroreduction have been synthesized using electrochemical atomic layer deposition by surface-limited redox replacement of Pb underpotentially deposited layer. Controlled by the ratio of [Cu²⁺] ions and [AuCl₄ ^-] complex in the deposition solution, the alloy film composition (atomic fraction, x in the range of 0.5-1) has been determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and indirectly estimated by anodic stripping voltammetry. The catalytic activity and durability of Cu _x Au_(1-x) thin films, Cu thin film, and bulk Cu have been studied by one- and multiple-cycle voltammetry. The synthesized Cu _x Au_(1-x) thin films feature up to two times higher nitrate electroreduction activity in acidic solution compared to bulk and thin-film Cu counterparts. Highest activity has been measured with a Cu_0.70Au_0.30 catalyst. Durability tests have demonstrated that Cu thin films undergo rapid deactivation losing 65% of its peak activity for 92 cycles, whereas Cu_0.70Au_0.30 catalysts lose only 45% of their top performance. The significantly better durability of alloy films can be attributed to effective resistance to poisoning and/or hindered dissolution of Cu active centers. It has been also found that both Cu _x Au_(1-x) and pure Cu thin films show best electroreduction activity at lowest pH.

From mixed to three-layer core/shell PtCu nanoparticles: ligand-induced surface segregation to enhance electrocatalytic activity

Core-shell segregated bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit increased enhanced catalytic performance compared to that of mixed bimetallic NPs. Here, we report a simple, yet efficient, one-pot synthetic strategy to synthesize uniform three-layer core/shell PtCu NPs by adding benzyl ether (BE) in the synthesis process of mixed PtCu NPs. In comparison with commercial Pt/C and also mixed PtCu NPs, the three-layer core/shell PtCu NPs exhibit superior activity in catalyzing the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), formic acid oxidation reaction (FAOR), methanol oxidation reaction (MOR), and ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR), mainly due to the ligand (BE)-induced surface segregation of Pt on the surface of the NPs.

Propitious Dendritic Cu2O-Pt Nanostructured Anodes for Direct Formic Acid Fuel Cells

This study introduces a novel competent dendritic copper oxide-platinum nanocatalyst (nano-Cu₂O-Pt) immobilized onto a glassy carbon (GC) substrate for formic acid (FA) electro-oxidation (FAO); the prime reaction in the anodic compartment of direct formic acid fuel cells (DFAFCs). Interestingly, the proposed catalyst exhibited an outstanding improvement for FAO compared to the traditional platinum nanoparticles (nano-Pt) modified GC (nano-Pt/GC) catalyst. This was evaluated from steering the reaction mechanism toward the desired direct route producing carbon dioxide (CO₂); consistently with mitigating the other undesired indirect pathway producing carbon monoxide (CO); the potential poison deteriorating the catalytic activity of typical Pt-based catalysts. Moreover, the developed catalyst showed a reasonable long-term catalytic stability along with a significant lowering in onset potential of direct FAO that ultimately reduces the polarization and amplifies the fuel cell's voltage. The observed catalytic enhancement was believed to originate bifunctionally; while nano-Pt represented the base for the FA adsorption, nanostructured copper oxide (nano-Cu₂O) behaved as a catalytic mediator facilitating the charge transfer during FAO and providing the oxygen atmosphere inspiring the poison's (CO) oxidation at relatively lower potential. Surprisingly, moreover, nano-Cu₂O induced a surface retrieval of nano-Pt active sites by capturing the poisoning CO via "a spillover mechanism" to renovate the Pt surface for the direct FAO. Finally, the catalytic tolerance of the developed catalyst toward halides' poisoning was discussed.

Multiscale approach for studying melting transitions in CuPt nanoparticles

Melting temperature dependence on the radius of CuPt clusters by CALPHAD and atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. The formation of a supercooled region for 3 nm particle is highlighted by the huge hysteresis during the freezing process.

Ultrathin dendritic Pt3Cu triangular pyramid caps with enhanced electrocatalytic activity

Here we report on the synthesis of novel dendritic Pt3Cu triangular pyramid caps via a solvothermal coreduction method. These caps had three-dimensional caved structures with ultrathin branches, as evidenced by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and HAADF-STEM characterization. Tuning the reduction kinetics of two metal precursors by an iodide ion was believed to be the key for the formation of an alloyed nanostructure. Electro-oxidation of methanol and formic acid showed dramatically improved electrocatalytic activities and poison-tolerance for these nanoalloys as compared to commercial Pt/C catalysts, which was attributed to their unique open porous structure with interconnected network, ultrahigh surface areas, as well as synergetic effect of the two metallic components.

Mariscal M, José-Yacaman M. Synthesis, characterization, and growth simulations of Cu-Pt bimetallic nanoclusters

Highly monodispersed Cu-Pt bimetallic nanoclusters were synthesized by a facile synthesis approach. Analysis of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and spherical aberration (C s)-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) images shows that the average diameter of the Cu-Pt nanoclusters is 3.0 ± 1.0 nm. The high angle annular dark field (HAADF-STEM) images, intensity profiles, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) line scans, allowed us to study the distribution of Cu and Pt with atomistic resolution, finding that Pt is embedded randomly in the Cu lattice. A novel simulation method is applied to study the growth mechanism, which shows the formation of alloy structures in good agreement with the experimental evidence. The findings give insight into the formation mechanism of the nanosized Cu-Pt bimetallic catalysts.

Catalysis based on nanocrystals with well-defined facets

Using bottom-up chemistry techniques, the composition, size, and shape in particular can now be controlled uniformly for each and every nanocrystal (NC). Research into shape-controlled NCs have shown that the catalytic properties of a material are sensitive not only to the size but also to the shape of the NCs as a consequence of well-defined facets. These findings are of great importance for modern heterogeneous catalysis research. First, a rational synthesis of catalysts might be achieved, since desired activity and selectivity would be acquired by simply tuning the shape, that is, the exposed crystal facets, of a NC catalyst. Second, shape-controlled NCs are relatively simple systems, in contrast to traditional complex solids, suggesting that they may serve as novel model catalysts to bridge the gap between model surfaces and real catalysts.

All electrochemical fabrication of a platinized nanoporous Au thin-film catalyst

In an effort to decrease the high cost associated with the design, testing, and production of electrocatalysts, a completely electrochemical scheme has been developed to deposit and platinize a nanoporous Au (NPG) based catalyst for formic acid oxidation. The proposed route enables synthesis of an alternative to the most established, nanoparticles based catalysts and addresses issues of the latter associated with either contamination inherent from the synthetic route or poor adhesion to the supporting electrode. The synthetic protocol includes as a first step, electrochemical codeposition of a Au((1-x))Ag(x) alloy in a thiosulfate based electrolyte followed by selective electrochemical dissolution (dealloying) of Ag as the less noble metal, that generates an ultrathin and preferably continuous porous structure featuring thickness of less than 20 nm. NPG is then functionalized with Pt (no thicker than 1 nm) by surface limited redox replacement (SLRR) of underpotentially deposited Pb layer to form Pt-NPG. SLRR ensures complete coverage of the surface with Pt, believed to spread evenly over the NPG matrix. Testing of the catalyst at a proof-of-concept level demonstrates its high catalytic activity toward formic acid oxidation. Current densities of 40-50 mA cm(-2) and mass activities of 1-3 A.mg(-1) (of combined Pt-Au catalyst) have been observed and the Pt-NPG thin films have lasted over 2600 cycles in standard formic acid oxidation testing.