1
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Deng Z, Gong Z, Gong M, Wang X. Multiscale Regulation of Ordered PtCu Intermetallic Electrocatalyst for Highly Durable Oxygen Reduction Reaction. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:3994-4001. [PMID: 38518181 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c00583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Transforming the Pt-M alloy into an ordered intermetallic is an effective strategy to improve the electrocatalytic activity and stability toward the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, the synthesis of nanosized intermetallics remains challenging. Herein, we report an efficient ORR electrocatalyst, consisting of a monodisperse nanosized PtCu intermetallic on hollow mesoporous carbon spheres (HMCS). As predicted by theoretical calculations, PtCu intermetallics exhibit beneficial electronic structure, with a low theoretical overpotential of 0.33 V and enhanced Cu stability. Resulting from the multiscale modulation of catalyst structure, the O-PtCu/HMCS catalyst delivers a high mass activity of 2.73 A cm-2Pt at 0.9 V and remarkable stability. Identical location transmission electron microscopy (IL-TEM) investigations demonstrate that the rate of carbon corrosion is alleviated on HMCS, which contributes to the long-term durability. This work provides a promising design strategy for an ORR electrocatalyst, and the IL-TEM investigations offer new perspectives for the performance enhancement mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiping Deng
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, 9211-116 Street NW., Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Zhe Gong
- Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, 388 Lumo Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430078, P. R. China
| | - Mingxing Gong
- Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, 388 Lumo Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430078, P. R. China
| | - Xiaolei Wang
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, 9211-116 Street NW., Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
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2
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Feijoo S, Baluchová S, Kamali M, Buijnsters JG, Dewil R. A combined experimental and computational approach to unravel degradation mechanisms in electrochemical wastewater treatment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE : WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 10:652-667. [PMID: 38434174 PMCID: PMC10905665 DOI: 10.1039/d3ew00784g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Electrochemical wastewater treatment is a promising technique to remove recalcitrant pollutants from wastewater. However, the complexity of elucidating the underlying degradation mechanisms hinders its optimisation not only from a techno-economic perspective, as it is desirable to maximise removal efficiencies at low energy and chemical requirements, but also in environmental terms, as the generation of toxic by-products is an ongoing challenge. In this work, we propose a novel combined experimental and computational approach to (i) estimate the contribution of radical and non-radical mechanisms as well as their synergistic effects during electrochemical oxidation and (ii) identify the optimal conditions that promote specific degradation pathways. As a case study, the distribution of the degradation mechanisms involved in the removal of benzoic acid (BA) via boron-doped diamond (BDD) anodes was elucidated and analysed as a function of several operating parameters, i.e., the initial sulfate and nitrate content of the wastewater and the current applied. Subsequently, a multivariate optimisation study was conducted, where the influence of the electrode nature was investigated for two commercial BDD electrodes and a customised silver-decorated BDD electrode. Optimal conditions were identified for each degradation mechanism as well as for the overall BA degradation rate constant. BDD selection was found to be the most influential factor favouring any mechanism (i.e., 52-85% contribution), given that properties such as its boron doping and the presence of electrodeposited silver could dramatically affect the reactions taking place. In particular, decorating the BDD surface with silver microparticles significantly enhanced BA degradation via sulfate radicals, whereas direct oxidation, reactive oxygen species and radical synergistic effects were promoted when using a commercial BDD material with higher boron content and on a silicon substrate. Consequently, by simplifying the identification and quantification of underlying mechanisms, our approach facilitates the elucidation of the most suitable degradation route for a given electrochemical wastewater treatment together with its optimal operating conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Feijoo
- KU Leuven, Department of Chemical Engineering, Process and Environmental Technology Lab Jan Pieter de Nayerlaan 5 2860 Sint-Katelijne-Waver Belgium
| | - Simona Baluchová
- Delft University of Technology, Department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering Mekelweg 2 2628 CD Delft The Netherlands
| | - Mohammadreza Kamali
- KU Leuven, Department of Chemical Engineering, Process and Environmental Technology Lab Jan Pieter de Nayerlaan 5 2860 Sint-Katelijne-Waver Belgium
| | - Josephus G Buijnsters
- Delft University of Technology, Department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering Mekelweg 2 2628 CD Delft The Netherlands
| | - Raf Dewil
- KU Leuven, Department of Chemical Engineering, Process and Environmental Technology Lab Jan Pieter de Nayerlaan 5 2860 Sint-Katelijne-Waver Belgium
- University of Oxford, Department of Engineering Science Parks Road Oxford OX1 3PJ UK
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3
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Hrnjić A, Kamšek AR, Bijelić L, Logar A, Maselj N, Smiljanić M, Trputec J, Vovk N, Pavko L, Ruiz-Zepeda F, Bele M, Jovanovič P, Hodnik N. Metal-Support Interaction between Titanium Oxynitride and Pt Nanoparticles Enables Efficient Low-Pt-Loaded High-Performance Electrodes at Relevant Oxygen Reduction Reaction Current Densities. ACS Catal 2024; 14:2473-2486. [PMID: 38384942 PMCID: PMC10877567 DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.3c03883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
In the present work, we report on a synergistic relationship between platinum nanoparticles and a titanium oxynitride support (TiOxNy/C) in the context of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysis. As demonstrated herein, this composite configuration results in significantly improved electrocatalytic activity toward the ORR relative to platinum dispersed on carbon support (Pt/C) at high overpotentials. Specifically, the ORR performance was assessed under an elevated mass transport regime using the modified floating electrode configuration, which enabled us to pursue the reaction closer to PEMFC-relevant current densities. A comprehensive investigation attributes the ORR performance increase to a strong interaction between platinum and the TiOxNy/C support. In particular, according to the generated strain maps obtained via scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), the Pt-TiOxNy/C analogue exhibits a more localized strain in Pt nanoparticles in comparison to that in the Pt/C sample. The altered Pt structure could explain the measured ORR activity trend via the d-band theory, which lowers the platinum surface coverage with ORR intermediates. In terms of the Pt particle size effect, our observation presents an anomaly as the Pt-TiOxNy/C analogue, despite having almost two times smaller nanoparticles (2.9 nm) compared to the Pt/C benchmark (4.8 nm), manifests higher specific activity. This provides a promising strategy to further lower the Pt loading and increase the ECSA without sacrificing the catalytic activity under fuel cell-relevant potentials. Apart from the ORR, the platinum-TiOxNy/C interaction is of a sufficient magnitude not to follow the typical particle size effect also in the context of other reactions such as CO stripping, hydrogen oxidation reaction, and water discharge. The trend for the latter is ascribed to the lower oxophilicity of Pt-based on electrochemical surface coverage analysis. Namely, a lower surface coverage with oxygenated species is found for the Pt-TiOxNy/C analogue. Further insights were provided by performing a detailed STEM characterization via the identical location mode (IL-STEM) in particular, via 4DSTEM acquisition. This disclosed that Pt particles are partially encapsulated within a thin layer of TiOxNy origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Hrnjić
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova
19, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
- University
of Nova Gorica, Vipavska
13, Nova Gorica 5000, Slovenia
| | - Ana Rebeka Kamšek
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova
19, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
- Faculty
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University
of Ljubljana, Večna
pot 113, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Lazar Bijelić
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova
19, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
- University
of Nova Gorica, Vipavska
13, Nova Gorica 5000, Slovenia
| | - Anja Logar
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova
19, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
- University
of Nova Gorica, Vipavska
13, Nova Gorica 5000, Slovenia
| | - Nik Maselj
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova
19, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
- Faculty
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University
of Ljubljana, Večna
pot 113, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Milutin Smiljanić
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova
19, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Jan Trputec
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova
19, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
- Faculty
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University
of Ljubljana, Večna
pot 113, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Natan Vovk
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova
19, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
- Faculty
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University
of Ljubljana, Večna
pot 113, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Luka Pavko
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova
19, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
- Faculty
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University
of Ljubljana, Večna
pot 113, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Zepeda
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova
19, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Marjan Bele
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova
19, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Primož Jovanovič
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova
19, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Nejc Hodnik
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova
19, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
- University
of Nova Gorica, Vipavska
13, Nova Gorica 5000, Slovenia
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4
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Bijelić L, Ruiz-Zepeda F, Hodnik N. The role of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy in unraveling the structure-property relationships of Pt-based fuel cells electrocatalysts. Inorg Chem Front 2024; 11:323-341. [PMID: 38235274 PMCID: PMC10790562 DOI: 10.1039/d3qi01998e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Platinum-based fuel cell electrocatalysts are structured on a nano level in order to extend their active surface area and maximize the utilization of precious and scarce platinum. Their performance is dictated by the atomic arrangement of their surface layers atoms via structure-property relationships. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) are the preferred methods for characterizing these catalysts, due to their capacity to achieve local atomic-level resolutions. Size, morphology, strain and local composition are just some of the properties of Pt-based nanostructures that can be obtained by (S)TEM. Furthermore, advanced methods of (S)TEM are able to provide insights into the quasi-in situ, in situ or even operando stability of these nanostructures. In this review, we present state-of-the-art applications of (S)TEM in the investigation and interpretation of structure-activity and structure-stability relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lazar Bijelić
- Laboratory for Electrocatalysis, Department of Materials Chemistry, National Insititute of Chemistry Hajdrihova 19 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
- University of Nova Gorica Vipavska 13 Nova Gorica SI-5000 Slovenia
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Zepeda
- Laboratory for Electrocatalysis, Department of Materials Chemistry, National Insititute of Chemistry Hajdrihova 19 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
- Department of Physics and Chemistry of Materials, Institute for Metals and Technology IMT Lepi pot 11 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Nejc Hodnik
- Laboratory for Electrocatalysis, Department of Materials Chemistry, National Insititute of Chemistry Hajdrihova 19 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
- University of Nova Gorica Vipavska 13 Nova Gorica SI-5000 Slovenia
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5
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Vega-Paredes M, Aymerich-Armengol R, Arenas Esteban D, Martí-Sánchez S, Bals S, Scheu C, Garzón Manjón A. Electrochemical Stability of Rhodium-Platinum Core-Shell Nanoparticles: An Identical Location Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy Study. ACS NANO 2023; 17:16943-16951. [PMID: 37602824 PMCID: PMC10510721 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c04039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Rhodium-platinum core-shell nanoparticles on a carbon support (Rh@Pt/C NPs) are promising candidates as anode catalysts for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. However, their electrochemical stability needs to be further explored for successful application in commercial fuel cells. Here we employ identical location scanning transmission electron microscopy to track the morphological and compositional changes of Rh@Pt/C NPs during potential cycling (10 000 cycles, 0.06-0.8 VRHE, 0.5 H2SO4) down to the atomic level, which are then used for understanding the current evolution occurring during the potential cycles. Our results reveal a high stability of the Rh@Pt/C system and point toward particle detachment from the carbon support as the main degradation mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miquel Vega-Paredes
- Max-Planck-Institut
für Eisenforschung GmbH (MPIE), Max-Planck-Straße 1, 40237 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Raquel Aymerich-Armengol
- Max-Planck-Institut
für Eisenforschung GmbH (MPIE), Max-Planck-Straße 1, 40237 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Daniel Arenas Esteban
- Electron
Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT), University of Antwerp, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sara Martí-Sánchez
- Catalan
Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), CSIC and BIST, Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Sara Bals
- Electron
Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT), University of Antwerp, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Christina Scheu
- Max-Planck-Institut
für Eisenforschung GmbH (MPIE), Max-Planck-Straße 1, 40237 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alba Garzón Manjón
- Max-Planck-Institut
für Eisenforschung GmbH (MPIE), Max-Planck-Straße 1, 40237 Düsseldorf, Germany
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6
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Bele M, Podboršek GK, Lončar A, Jovanovič P, Hrnjić A, Marinko Ž, Kovač J, Surca AK, Kamšek AR, Dražić G, Hodnik N, Suhadolnik L. " Nano Lab" Advanced Characterization Platform for Studying Electrocatalytic Iridium Nanoparticles Dispersed on TiO xN y Supports Prepared on Ti Transmission Electron Microscopy Grids. ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS 2023; 6:10421-10430. [PMID: 37384128 PMCID: PMC10294127 DOI: 10.1021/acsanm.3c01368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Aiming at speeding up the discovery and understanding of promising electrocatalysts, a novel experimental platform, i.e., the Nano Lab, is introduced. It is based on state-of-the-art physicochemical characterization and atomic-scale tracking of individual synthesis steps as well as subsequent electrochemical treatments targeting nanostructured composites. This is provided by having the entire experimental setup on a transmission electron microscopy (TEM) grid. Herein, the oxygen evolution reaction nanocomposite electrocatalyst, i.e., iridium nanoparticles dispersed on a high-surface-area TiOxNy support prepared on the Ti TEM grid, is investigated. By combining electrochemical concepts such as anodic oxidation of TEM grids, floating electrode-based electrochemical characterization, and identical location TEM analysis, relevant information from the entire composite's cycle, i.e., from the initial synthesis step to electrochemical operation, can be studied. We reveal that Ir nanoparticles as well as the TiOxNy support undergo dynamic changes during all steps. The most interesting findings made possible by the Nano Lab concept are the formation of Ir single atoms and only a small decrease in the N/O ratio of the TiOxNy-Ir catalyst during the electrochemical treatment. In this way, we show that the precise influence of the nanoscale structure, composition, morphology, and electrocatalyst's locally resolved surface sites can be deciphered on the atomic level. Furthermore, the Nano Lab's experimental setup is compatible with ex situ characterization and other analytical methods, such as Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and identical location scanning electron microscopy, hence providing a comprehensive understanding of structural changes and their effects. Overall, an experimental toolbox for the systematic development of supported electrocatalysts is now at hand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjan Bele
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova
19, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Gorazd Koderman Podboršek
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova
19, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
- Jožef
Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova 39, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Anja Lončar
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova
19, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
- University
of Nova Gorica, Vipavska
13, Nova Gorica SI-5000, Slovenia
| | - Primož Jovanovič
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova
19, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Armin Hrnjić
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova
19, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
- University
of Nova Gorica, Vipavska
13, Nova Gorica SI-5000, Slovenia
| | - Živa Marinko
- Jožef
Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova 39, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
- Department
for Nanostructured Materials, Jožef
Stefan Institute, Jamova
39, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Janez Kovač
- Department
of Surface Engineering, Jožef Stefan
Institute, Jamova 39, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Angelja Kjara Surca
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova
19, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Ana Rebeka Kamšek
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova
19, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
- Faculty of
Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University
of Ljubljana, Večna
pot 113, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Goran Dražić
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova
19, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
- Jožef
Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova 39, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Nejc Hodnik
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova
19, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
- Jožef
Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova 39, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
- University
of Nova Gorica, Vipavska
13, Nova Gorica SI-5000, Slovenia
| | - Luka Suhadolnik
- Department
for Nanostructured Materials, Jožef
Stefan Institute, Jamova
39, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
- Department
of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, via L. Giorgieri 1, Trieste 34127, Italy
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7
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Koderman Podboršek G, Suhadolnik L, Lončar A, Bele M, Hrnjić A, Marinko Ž, Kovač J, Kokalj A, Gašparič L, Surca AK, Kamšek AR, Dražić G, Gaberšček M, Hodnik N, Jovanovič P. Iridium Stabilizes Ceramic Titanium Oxynitride Support for Oxygen Evolution Reaction. ACS Catal 2022; 12:15135-15145. [PMID: 36570081 PMCID: PMC9764282 DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.2c04160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Decreasing iridium loading in the electrocatalyst presents a crucial challenge in the implementation of proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers. In this respect, fine dispersion of Ir on electrically conductive ceramic supports is a promising strategy. However, the supporting material needs to meet the demanding requirements such as structural stability and electrical conductivity under harsh oxygen evolution reaction (OER) conditions. Herein, nanotubular titanium oxynitride (TiON) is studied as a support for iridium nanoparticles. Atomically resolved structural and compositional transformations of TiON during OER were followed using a task-specific advanced characterization platform. This combined the electrochemical treatment under floating electrode configuration and identical location transmission electron microscopy (IL-TEM) analysis of an in-house-prepared Ir-TiON TEM grid. Exhaustive characterization, supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, demonstrates and confirms that both the Ir nanoparticles and single atoms induce a stabilizing effect on the ceramic support via marked suppression of the oxidation tendency of TiON under OER conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gorazd Koderman Podboršek
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000Ljubljana, Slovenia,Jožef
Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova 39, SI-1000Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Luka Suhadolnik
- Department
for Nanostructured Materials, Jožef
Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, SI-1000Ljubljana, Slovenia,Department
of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127Trieste, Italy,
| | - Anja Lončar
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000Ljubljana, Slovenia,University
of Nova Gorica, Vipavska
13, SI-5000Nova
Gorica, Slovenia
| | - Marjan Bele
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000Ljubljana, Slovenia,
| | - Armin Hrnjić
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000Ljubljana, Slovenia,University
of Nova Gorica, Vipavska
13, SI-5000Nova
Gorica, Slovenia
| | - Živa Marinko
- Jožef
Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova 39, SI-1000Ljubljana, Slovenia,Department
for Nanostructured Materials, Jožef
Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, SI-1000Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janez Kovač
- Department
of Surface Engineering, Jožef Stefan
Institute, Jamova 39, SI-1000Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anton Kokalj
- Jožef
Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova 39, SI-1000Ljubljana, Slovenia,Department
of Physical and Organic Chemistry, Jožef
Stefan Institute, Jamova
39, SI-1000Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Lea Gašparič
- Jožef
Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova 39, SI-1000Ljubljana, Slovenia,Department
of Physical and Organic Chemistry, Jožef
Stefan Institute, Jamova
39, SI-1000Ljubljana, Slovenia,Centre
of Excellence for Low-Carbon Technologies, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Angelja Kjara Surca
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ana Rebeka Kamšek
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000Ljubljana, Slovenia,Faculty
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University
of Ljubljana, Večna
pot 113, SI-1000Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Goran Dražić
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000Ljubljana, Slovenia,Jožef
Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova 39, SI-1000Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miran Gaberšček
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nejc Hodnik
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000Ljubljana, Slovenia,Jožef
Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova 39, SI-1000Ljubljana, Slovenia,University
of Nova Gorica, Vipavska
13, SI-5000Nova
Gorica, Slovenia
| | - Primož Jovanovič
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000Ljubljana, Slovenia,
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8
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Đukić T, Pavko L, Jovanovič P, Maselj N, Gatalo M, Hodnik N. Stability challenges of carbon-supported Pt-nanoalloys as fuel cell oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalysts. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:13832-13854. [PMID: 36472187 PMCID: PMC9753161 DOI: 10.1039/d2cc05377b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Carbon-supported Pt-based nanoalloys (CSPtNs) as the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts are considered state-of-the-art electrocatalysts for use in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Although their ORR activity performance is already adequate to allow lowering of the Pt loading and thus commercialisation of the fuel cell technology, their stability remains an open challenge. In this Feature Article, the recent achievements and acquired knowledge on the degradation behaviour of these electrocatalysts are overviewed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Đukić
- Department of Materials Chemistry, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova ulica 19, 1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Luka Pavko
- Department of Materials Chemistry, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova ulica 19, 1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Primož Jovanovič
- Department of Materials Chemistry, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova ulica 19, 1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Nik Maselj
- Department of Materials Chemistry, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova ulica 19, 1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matija Gatalo
- Department of Materials Chemistry, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova ulica 19, 1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- ReCatalyst d.o.o., Hajdrihova ulica 19, 1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nejc Hodnik
- Department of Materials Chemistry, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova ulica 19, 1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Moriau L, Smiljanić M, Lončar A, Hodnik N. Supported Iridium-based Oxygen Evolution Reaction Electrocatalysts - Recent Developments. ChemCatChem 2022; 14:e202200586. [PMID: 36605357 PMCID: PMC9804445 DOI: 10.1002/cctc.202200586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The commercialization of acidic proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWE) is heavily hindered by the price and scarcity of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst, i. e. iridium and its oxides. One of the solutions to enhance the utilization of this precious metal is to use a support to distribute well dispersed Ir nanoparticles. In addition, adequately chosen support can also impact the activity and stability of the catalyst. However, not many materials can sustain the oxidative and acidic conditions of OER in PEMWE. Hereby, we critically and extensively review the different materials proposed as possible supports for OER in acidic media and the effect they have on iridium performances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard Moriau
- Department of Materials ChemistryNational Institute of ChemistryHajdrihova 191001LjubljanaSlovenia
| | - Milutin Smiljanić
- Department of Materials ChemistryNational Institute of ChemistryHajdrihova 191001LjubljanaSlovenia
| | - Anja Lončar
- Department of Materials ChemistryNational Institute of ChemistryHajdrihova 191001LjubljanaSlovenia,University of Nova GoricaVipavska 135000Nova GoricaSlovenia
| | - Nejc Hodnik
- Department of Materials ChemistryNational Institute of ChemistryHajdrihova 191001LjubljanaSlovenia,University of Nova GoricaVipavska 135000Nova GoricaSlovenia
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10
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Podboršek GK, Kamšek AR, Lončar A, Bele M, Suhadolnik L, Jovanovič P, Hodnik N. Atomically-resolved structural changes of ceramic supported nanoparticulate oxygen evolution reaction Ir catalyst. Electrochim Acta 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2022.140800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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11
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Yu H, Zachman MJ, Li C, Hu L, Kariuki NN, Mukundan R, Xie J, Neyerlin KC, Myers DJ, Cullen DA. Recreating Fuel Cell Catalyst Degradation in Aqueous Environments for Identical-Location Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy Studies. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:20418-20429. [PMID: 35230077 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c23281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The recent surge in interest of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) for heavy-duty vehicles increases the demand on the durability of oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalysts used in the fuel cell cathode. This prioritizes efforts aimed at understanding and subsequently controlling catalyst degradation. Identical-location scanning transmission electron microscopy (IL-STEM) is a powerful method that enables precise characterization of degradation processes in individual catalyst nanoparticles across various stages of cycling. Recreating the degradation processes that occur in PEMFC membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) within the aqueous cell used for IL-STEM experiments is vital for generating an accurate understanding of these processes. In this work, we investigate the type and degree of catalyst degradation achieved by cycling in an aqueous cell compared to a PEMFC MEA. While significant degradation is observed in IL-STEM experiments performed on a traditional Pt catalyst using the standard accelerated stress test potential window (0.6-0.95 VRHE), degradation of a PtCo catalyst designed for heavy-duty vehicle use is very limited compared to that observed in MEAs. We therefore explore various experimental parameters such as temperature, acid type, acid concentration, ionomer content, and potential window to identify conditions that reproduce the degradation observed in MEAs. We find that by extending the cycling potential window to 0.4-1.0 VRHE in an electrolyte containing Pt ions, the degraded particle size distribution and alloy composition better match that observed in MEAs. In particular, these conditions increase the relative contribution of Ostwald ripening, which appears to play a more significant role in the degradation of larger alloy particles supported on high-surface-area carbons than coalescence. Results from this work highlight the potential for discrepancies between ex situ aqueous experiments and MEA tests. While different catalysts may require a unique modification to the AST protocol, strategies provided in this work enable future in situ and identical-location experiments that will play an important role in the development of robust catalysts for heavy-duty vehicle applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Yu
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Michael J Zachman
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Chenzhao Li
- Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Purdue School of Engineering and Technology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, United States
| | - Leiming Hu
- Chemistry and Nanoscience Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Nancy N Kariuki
- Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Rangachary Mukundan
- Materials Physics and Applications Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, United States
| | - Jian Xie
- Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Purdue School of Engineering and Technology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, United States
| | - Kenneth C Neyerlin
- Chemistry and Nanoscience Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Deborah J Myers
- Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - David A Cullen
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
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