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Kormanyos A, Büttner P, Bosch M, Minichova M, Körner A, Jenewein KJ, Hutzler A, Mayrhofer KJJ, Bachmann J, Cherevko S. Stability of Bimetallic Pt xRu y - From Model Surfaces to Nanoparticulate Electrocatalysts. ACS MATERIALS AU 2024; 4:286-299. [PMID: 38737117 PMCID: PMC11083114 DOI: 10.1021/acsmaterialsau.3c00092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Fundamental research campaigns in electrocatalysis often involve the use of model systems, such as single crystals or magnetron-sputtered thin films (single metals or metal alloys). The downsides of these approaches are that oftentimes only a limited number of compositions are picked and tested (guided by chemical intuition) and that the validity of trends is not verified under operating conditions typically present in real devices. These together can lead to deficient conclusions, hampering the direct application of newly discovered systems in real devices. In this contribution, the stability of magnetron-sputtered bimetallic PtxRuy thin film electrocatalysts (0 at. % to 100 at. % Ru content) along with three commercially available carbon-supported counterparts (50-67 at. % Ru content) was mapped under electrocatalytic conditions in acidic electrolytes using online ICP-MS. We found several differences between the two systems in the amount of metals dissolved along with the development of the morphology and composition. While the Pt-rich PtxRuy compositions remained unchanged, 30-50 nm diameter surface pits were detected in the case of the Ru-rich sputtered thin films. Contrastingly, the surface of the carbon-supported NPs enriched in Pt accompanied by the leaching of a significant amount of Ru from the alloy structure was observed. Change in morphology was accompanied by a mass loss reaching around 1-2 wt % in the case of the sputtered samples and almost 10 wt % for the NPs. Since PtxRuy has prime importance in driving alcohol oxidation reactions, the stability of all investigated alloys was screened in the presence of isopropanol. While Pt dissolution was marginally affected by the presence of isopropanol, several times higher Ru dissolution was detected, especially in the case of the Ru-rich compositions. Our results underline that trends in terms of electrocatalytic activity and stability cannot always be transferred from model samples to systems that are closer to the ones applied in real devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila Kormanyos
- Helmholtz
Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energy (IEK-11), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Cauerstr. 1, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Department
of Physical Chemistry and Materials Science, University of Szeged, Aradi sq. 1, Szeged 6720, Hungary
| | - Pascal Büttner
- Chemistry
of Thin Film Materials, IZNF, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität
Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Cauerstr. 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Bosch
- Chemistry
of Thin Film Materials, IZNF, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität
Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Cauerstr. 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Maria Minichova
- Helmholtz
Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energy (IEK-11), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Cauerstr. 1, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Department
of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Egerlandstr. 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Körner
- Helmholtz
Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energy (IEK-11), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Cauerstr. 1, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Department
of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Egerlandstr. 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ken J. Jenewein
- Helmholtz
Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energy (IEK-11), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Cauerstr. 1, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Department
of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Egerlandstr. 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Hutzler
- Helmholtz
Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energy (IEK-11), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Cauerstr. 1, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Karl J. J. Mayrhofer
- Helmholtz
Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energy (IEK-11), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Cauerstr. 1, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Department
of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Egerlandstr. 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Julien Bachmann
- Chemistry
of Thin Film Materials, IZNF, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität
Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Cauerstr. 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Serhiy Cherevko
- Helmholtz
Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energy (IEK-11), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Cauerstr. 1, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
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2
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Đukić T, Moriau L, Klofutar I, Šala M, Pavko L, González López FJ, Ruiz-Zepeda F, Pavlišič A, Hotko M, Gatalo M, Hodnik N. Adjusting the Operational Potential Window as a Tool for Prolonging the Durability of Carbon-Supported Pt-Alloy Nanoparticles as Oxygen Reduction Reaction Electrocatalysts. ACS Catal 2024; 14:4303-4317. [PMID: 38510667 PMCID: PMC10949198 DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.3c06251] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
A current trend in the investigation of state-of-the-art Pt-alloys as proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) electrocatalysts is to study their long-term stability as a bottleneck for their full commercialization. Although many parameters have been appropriately addressed, there are still certain issues that must be considered. Here, the stability of an experimental Pt-Co/C electrocatalyst is investigated by high-temperature accelerated degradation tests (HT-ADTs) in a high-temperature disk electrode (HT-DE) setup, allowing the imitation of close-to-real operational conditions in terms of temperature (60 °C). Although the US Department of Energy (DoE) protocol has been chosen as the basis of the study (30,000 trapezoidal wave cycling steps between 0.6 and 0.95 VRHE with a 3 s hold time at both the lower potential limit (LPL) and the upper potential limit (UPL)), this works demonstrates that limiting both the LPL and UPL (from 0.6-0.95 to 0.7-0.85 VRHE) can dramatically reduce the degradation rate of state-of-the-art Pt-alloy electrocatalysts. This has been additionally confirmed with the use of an electrochemical flow cell coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (EFC-ICP-MS), which enables real-time monitoring of the dissolution mechanisms of Pt and Co. In line with the HT-DE methodology observations, a dramatic decrease in the total dissolution of Pt and Co has once again been observed upon narrowing the potential window to 0.7-0.85 VRHE rather than 0.6-0.95 VRHE. Additionally, the effect of the potential hold time at both LPL and UPL on metal dissolution has also been investigated. The findings demonstrate that the dissolution rate of both metals is proportional to the hold time at UPL regardless of the applied potential window, whereas the hold time at the LPL does not appear to be as detrimental to the stability of metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Đukić
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova
19, Ljubljana 1001, Slovenia
- Faculty
of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University
of Ljubljana, Večna
pot 113, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Léonard
Jean Moriau
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova
19, Ljubljana 1001, Slovenia
| | - Iva Klofutar
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova
19, Ljubljana 1001, Slovenia
| | - Martin Šala
- Department
of Analytical Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova
19, Ljubljana 1001, Slovenia
| | - Luka Pavko
- ReCatalyst
d.o.o., Hajdrihova Ulica
19, Ljubljana 1001, Slovenia
| | | | - Francisco Ruiz-Zepeda
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova
19, Ljubljana 1001, Slovenia
| | - Andraž Pavlišič
- Department
of Catalysis and Chemical Reaction Engineering, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, Ljubljana 1001, Slovenia
| | - Miha Hotko
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova
19, Ljubljana 1001, Slovenia
- University
of Nova Gorica, Vipavska
13, Nova Gorica 5000, Slovenia
| | - Matija Gatalo
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova
19, Ljubljana 1001, Slovenia
- ReCatalyst
d.o.o., Hajdrihova Ulica
19, Ljubljana 1001, Slovenia
| | - Nejc Hodnik
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova
19, Ljubljana 1001, Slovenia
- University
of Nova Gorica, Vipavska
13, Nova Gorica 5000, Slovenia
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3
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Do VH, Lee JM. Surface engineering for stable electrocatalysis. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:2693-2737. [PMID: 38318782 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00292f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
In recent decades, significant progress has been achieved in rational developments of electrocatalysts through constructing novel atomistic structures and modulating catalytic surface topography, realizing substantial enhancement in electrocatalytic activities. Numerous advanced catalysts were developed for electrochemical energy conversion, exhibiting low overpotential, high intrinsic activity, and selectivity. Yet, maintaining the high catalytic performance under working conditions with high polarization and vigorous microkinetics that induce intensive degradation of surface nanostructures presents a significant challenge for commercial applications. Recently, advanced operando and computational techniques have provided comprehensive mechanistic insights into the degradation of surficial functional structures. Additionally, various innovative strategies have been devised and proven effective in sustaining electrocatalytic activity under harsh operating conditions. This review aims to discuss the most recent understanding of the degradation microkinetics of catalysts across an entire range of anodic to cathodic polarizations, encompassing processes such as oxygen evolution and reduction, hydrogen reduction, and carbon dioxide reduction. Subsequently, innovative strategies adopted to stabilize the materials' structure and activity are highlighted with an in-depth discussion of the underlying rationale. Finally, we present conclusions and perspectives regarding future research and development. By identifying the research gaps, this review aims to inspire further exploration of surface degradation mechanisms and rational design of durable electrocatalysts, ultimately contributing to the large-scale utilization of electroconversion technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viet-Hung Do
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 62 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637459.
- Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N), Interdisciplinary Graduate School, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, Singapore 637141
| | - Jong-Min Lee
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 62 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637459.
- Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N), Interdisciplinary Graduate School, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, Singapore 637141
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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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Chen J, Dong J, Huo J, Li C, Du L, Cui Z, Liao S. Ultrathin Co-N-C Layer Modified Pt-Co Intermetallic Nanoparticles Leading to a High-Performance Electrocatalyst toward Oxygen Reduction and Methanol Oxidation. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2301337. [PMID: 37144456 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202301337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The development of low platinum-based alloy electrocatalysts is crucial to accelerate the commercialization of fuel cells, yet remains a synthetic challenge and an incompatibility between activity and stability. Herein, a facile procedure to fabricate a high-performance composite that comprises Pt-Co intermetallic nanoparticles (IMNs) and Co, N co-doped carbon (Co-N-C) electrocatalyst is proposed. It is prepared by direct annealing of homemade carbon black-supported Pt nanoparticles (Pt/KB) covered with a Co-phenanthroline complex. During this process, most of Co atoms in the complex are alloyed with Pt to form ordered Pt-Co IMNs, while some Co atoms are atomically dispersed and doped in the framework of superthin carbon layer derived from phenanthroline, which is coordinated with N to form Co-Nx moieties. Moreover, the Co-N-C film obtained from complex is observed to cover the surface of Pt-Co IMNs, which prevent the dissolution and agglomeration of nanoparticles. The composite catalyst exhibits high activity and stability toward oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) and methanol oxidation reactions (MOR), delivering outstanding mass activities of 1.96 and 2.92 A mgPt -1 for ORR and MOR respectively, owing to the synergistic effect of Pt-Co IMNs and Co-N-C film. This study may provide a promising strategy to improve the electrocatalytic performance of Pt-based catalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxiang Chen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China
| | - Jiangbo Dong
- Guangdong Energy Group Science and Technology Research Institute Co. Ltd. , Guangzhou, 510641, China
| | - Junlang Huo
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China
| | - Chaozhong Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China
| | - Li Du
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China
| | - Zhiming Cui
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China
| | - Shijun Liao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China
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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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Electrochemical Activation and Its Prolonged Effect on the Durability of Bimetallic Pt-Based Electrocatalysts for PEMFCs. INORGANICS 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/inorganics11010045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study, concerned with high-performance ORR catalysts, may be a valuable resource for a wide range of researchers within the fields of nanomaterials, electrocatalysis, and hydrogen energy. The objects of the research are electrocatalysts based on platinum–copper nanoparticles with onion-like and solid-solution structures. To evaluate the functional characteristics of the catalysts, the XRD, XRF, TEM, HAADF-STEM, and EDX methods, as well as the voltammetry method on a rotating disk electrode have been used. This work draws the attention of researchers to the significance of applying a protocol of electrochemically activating bimetallic catalysts in terms of the study of their functional characteristics on the rotating disk electrode. The choice of the potential range during the pre-cycling stage has been shown to play a crucial role in maintaining the durability of the catalysts. The activation of the PtCu/C catalyst during cycling of up to 1.0 V allows for an increase in the durability of the catalysts with onion-like and solid-solution structures of nanoparticles by 28% and 23%, respectively, as compared with activation of up to 1.2 V.
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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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9
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Chattot R, Roiron C, Kumar K, Martin V, Campos Roldan CA, Mirolo M, Martens I, Castanheira L, Viola A, Bacabe R, Cavaliere S, Blanchard PY, Dubau L, Maillard F, Drnec J. Break-In Bad: On the Conditioning of Fuel Cell Nanoalloy Catalysts. ACS Catal 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.2c04495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Raphaël Chattot
- ICGM, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier 34095 Cedex 5, France
| | - Camille Roiron
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, Grenoble INP* (*Institute of Engineering and Management Univ. Grenoble Alpes), LEPMI, Grenoble 38000, France
| | - Kavita Kumar
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, Grenoble INP* (*Institute of Engineering and Management Univ. Grenoble Alpes), LEPMI, Grenoble 38000, France
| | - Vincent Martin
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, Grenoble INP* (*Institute of Engineering and Management Univ. Grenoble Alpes), LEPMI, Grenoble 38000, France
| | | | - Marta Mirolo
- ESRF, the European Synchrotron, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS40220, Grenoble 38043 Cedex 9, France
| | - Isaac Martens
- ESRF, the European Synchrotron, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS40220, Grenoble 38043 Cedex 9, France
| | - Luis Castanheira
- Symbio, 14 Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, Espace des Vouillands 2, Fontaine 38600, France
| | - Arnaud Viola
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, Grenoble INP* (*Institute of Engineering and Management Univ. Grenoble Alpes), LEPMI, Grenoble 38000, France
| | - Rémi Bacabe
- ICGM, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier 34095 Cedex 5, France
| | - Sara Cavaliere
- ICGM, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier 34095 Cedex 5, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris 75231 Cedex 5, France
| | | | - Laetitia Dubau
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, Grenoble INP* (*Institute of Engineering and Management Univ. Grenoble Alpes), LEPMI, Grenoble 38000, France
| | - Frédéric Maillard
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, Grenoble INP* (*Institute of Engineering and Management Univ. Grenoble Alpes), LEPMI, Grenoble 38000, France
| | - Jakub Drnec
- ESRF, the European Synchrotron, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS40220, Grenoble 38043 Cedex 9, France
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10
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Baum Z, Diaz LL, Konovalova T, Zhou QA. Materials Research Directions Toward a Green Hydrogen Economy: A Review. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:32908-32935. [PMID: 36157740 PMCID: PMC9494439 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c03996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
A constellation of technologies has been researched with an eye toward enabling a hydrogen economy. Within the research fields of hydrogen production, storage, and utilization in fuel cells, various classes of materials have been developed that target higher efficiencies and utility. This Review examines recent progress in these research fields from the years 2011-2021, exploring the most commonly occurring concepts and the materials directions important to each field. Particular attention has been given to catalyst materials that enable the green production of hydrogen from water, chemical and physical storage systems, and materials used in technical capacities within fuel cells. The quantification of publication and materials trends provides a picture of the current state of development within each node of the hydrogen economy.
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11
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Gatalo M, Bonastre AM, Moriau L, Burdett H, Ruiz-Zepeda F, Hughes E, Hodgkinson A, Šala M, Pavko L, Bele M, Hodnik N, Sharman J, Gaberšček M. Importance of Chemical Activation and the Effect of Low Operation Voltage on the Performance of Pt-Alloy Fuel Cell Electrocatalysts. ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS 2022; 5:8862-8877. [PMID: 35909804 PMCID: PMC9326812 DOI: 10.1021/acsaem.2c01359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Pt-alloy (Pt-M) nanoparticles (NPs) with less-expensive 3d transition metals (M = Ni, Cu, Co) supported on high-surface-area carbon supports are currently the state-of-the-art (SoA) solution to reach the production phase in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). However, while Pt-M electrocatalysts show promise in terms of increased activity for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and, thus, cost reductions from the significantly lower use of expensive and rare Pt, key challenges in terms of synthesis, activation, and stability remain to unlock their true potential. This work systematically tackles them with a combination of electrocatalyst synthesis and characterization methodologies including thin-film rotating disc electrodes (TF-RDEs), an electrochemical flow cell linked to an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (EFC-ICP-MS), and testing in 50 cm2 membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs). In the first part of the present work, we highlight the crucial importance of the chemical activation (dealloying) step on the performance of Pt-M electrocatalysts in the MEA at high current densities (HCDs). In addition, we provide the scientific community with a preliminary and facile method of distinguishing between a "poorly" and "adequately" dealloyed (activated) Pt-alloy electrocatalyst using a much simpler and affordable TF-RDE methodology using the well-known CO-stripping process. Since the transition-metal cations can also be introduced in a PEMFC due to the degradation of the Pt-M NPs, the second part of the work focuses on presenting clear evidence on the direct impact of the lower voltage limit (LVL) on the stability of Pt-M electrocatalysts. The data suggests that in addition to intrinsic improvements in stability, significant improvements in the PEMFC lifetime can also be obtained via the correct MEA design and applied limits of operation, namely, restricting not just the upper but equally important also the lower operation voltage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matija Gatalo
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- ReCatalyst
d.o.o., Hajdrihova 19, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Léonard
Jean Moriau
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Harriet Burdett
- Johnson
Matthey Technology Centre, Blount’s Court, Sonning
Common, Reading RG4 9NH, U.K.
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Zepeda
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Edwin Hughes
- Johnson
Matthey Technology Centre, Blount’s Court, Sonning
Common, Reading RG4 9NH, U.K.
| | - Adam Hodgkinson
- Johnson
Matthey Fuel Cells, Lydiard
Fields, Great Western Way, Swindon SN5 8AT, U.K.
| | - Martin Šala
- Department
of Analytical Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova
19, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Luka Pavko
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marjan Bele
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nejc Hodnik
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- University
of Nova Gorica, 5000 Nova Gorica, Slovenia
| | - Jonathan Sharman
- Johnson
Matthey Technology Centre, Blount’s Court, Sonning
Common, Reading RG4 9NH, U.K.
| | - Miran Gaberšček
- Department
of Materials Chemistry, National Institute
of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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12
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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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13
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Moguchikh EA, Paperzh KO, Alekseenko AA, Gribov EN, Guterman VE. Activity and Stability of a Platinum Nanostructured Catalyst Deposited onto a Nitrogen-Doped Carbonaceous Support. RUSS J ELECTROCHEM+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1023193522060088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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14
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Architecture Evolution of Different Nanoparticles Types: Relationship between the Structure and Functional Properties of Catalysts for PEMFC. Catalysts 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/catal12060638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This review considers the features of the catalysts with different nanoparticle structures architecture transformation under the various pre-treatment types. Based on the results of the publications analysis, it can be concluded that the chemical or electrochemical activation of bimetallic catalysts has a significant effect on their composition, microstructure, and catalytic activity in the oxygen reduction reaction. The stage of electrochemical activation is recommended for use as a mandatory catalyst pre-treatment to obtain highly active de-alloyed materials. The literature is studied, which covers possible variants of the structural modification under the influence of thermal treatment under different processing conditions. Additionally, based on the literature data analysis, recommendations are given for the thermal treatment of catalysts alloyed with various d-metals.
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15
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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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16
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Platinum-Containing Nanoparticles on N-Doped Carbon Supports as an Advanced Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction. Catalysts 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/catal12040414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
New highly active electrocatalysts were obtained by depositing bimetallic Pt-Cu nanoparticles on the surface of an N-doped carbon support. The structural–morphological characteristics and electrochemical behavior of the catalysts were studied. Using current stress testing protocols, their resistance to degradation was assessed in comparison with that of a commercial Pt/C material. A combined approach to catalyst synthesis that consists in alloying platinum with copper and doping the support makes it possible to obtain catalysts with a uniform distribution of bimetallic nanoparticles on the carbon surface. The obtained catalysts exhibit high activity and durability.
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17
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Lončar A, Escalera‐López D, Cherevko S, Hodnik N. Inter‐relationships between Oxygen Evolution and Iridium Dissolution Mechanisms. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202114437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anja Lončar
- Laboratory for Electrocatalysis Department of Materials Chemistry National Institute of Chemistry Hajdrihova 19 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
- University of Nova Gorica Vipavska 13 5000 Nova Gorica Slovenia
| | - Daniel Escalera‐López
- Helmholtz-Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energy Forschungszentrum Jülich Cauerstrasse 1 91058 Erlangen Germany
| | - Serhiy Cherevko
- Helmholtz-Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energy Forschungszentrum Jülich Cauerstrasse 1 91058 Erlangen Germany
| | - Nejc Hodnik
- Laboratory for Electrocatalysis Department of Materials Chemistry National Institute of Chemistry Hajdrihova 19 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
- University of Nova Gorica Vipavska 13 5000 Nova Gorica Slovenia
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18
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Đukić T, Moriau LJ, Pavko L, Kostelec M, Prokop M, Ruiz-Zepeda F, Šala M, Dražić G, Gatalo M, Hodnik N. Understanding the Crucial Significance of the Temperature and Potential Window on the Stability of Carbon Supported Pt-Alloy Nanoparticles as Oxygen Reduction Reaction Electrocatalysts. ACS Catal 2022; 12:101-115. [PMID: 35028189 PMCID: PMC8749953 DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.1c04205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The present research provides a study of carbon-supported intermetallic Pt-alloy electrocatalysts and assesses their stability against metal dissolution in relation to the operating temperature and the potential window using two advanced electrochemical methodologies: (i) the in-house designed high-temperature disk electrode (HT-DE) methodology as well as (ii) a modification of the electrochemical flow cell coupled to an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (EFC-ICP-MS) methodology, allowing for highly sensitive time- and potential-resolved measurements of metal dissolution. While the rate of carbon corrosion follows the Arrhenius law and increases exponentially with temperature, the findings of the present study contradict the generally accepted hypothesis that the kinetics of Pt and subsequently the less noble metal dissolution are supposed to be for the most part unaffected by temperature. On the contrary, clear evidence is presented that in addition to the importance of the voltage/potential window, the temperature is one of the most critical parameters governing the stability of Pt and thus, in the case of Pt-alloy electrocatalysts, also the ability of the nanoparticles (NPs) to retain the less noble metal. Lastly, but also very importantly, results indicate that the rate of Pt redeposition significantly increases with temperature, which has been the main reason why mechanistic interpretation of the temperature-dependent kinetics related to the stability of Pt remained highly speculative until now.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Đukić
- Department of Materials Chemistry, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Leonard Jean Moriau
- Department of Materials Chemistry, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Luka Pavko
- Department of Materials Chemistry, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mitja Kostelec
- Department of Materials Chemistry, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Martin Prokop
- University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, 166 28 Dejvice, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Zepeda
- Department of Materials Chemistry, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Martin Šala
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Goran Dražić
- Department of Materials Chemistry, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matija Gatalo
- Department of Materials Chemistry, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia.,ReCatalyst d.o.o., Hajdrihova 19, 1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nejc Hodnik
- Department of Materials Chemistry, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia.,University of Nova Gorica, Vipavska 13, 5000 Nova Gorica, Slovenia
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19
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Lončar A, Escalera‐López D, Cherevko S, Hodnik N. Interrelations of Oxygen Evolution and Iridium Dissolution Mechanisms. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 61:e202114437. [PMID: 34942052 PMCID: PMC9305877 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202114437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The widespread utilization of proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers currently remains uncertain, as they rely on the use of highly scarce iridium as the only viable catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which is known to present the major energy losses of the process. Understanding the mechanistic origin of the different activities and stabilities of Ir‐based catalysts is, therefore, crucial for a scale‐up of green hydrogen production. It is known that structure influences the dissolution, which is the main degradation mechanism and shares common intermediates with the OER. In this Minireview, the state‐of‐the‐art understanding of dissolution and its relationship with the structure of different iridium catalysts is gathered and correlated to different mechanisms of the OER. A perspective on future directions of investigation is also given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Lončar
- Laboratory for ElectrocatalysisDepartment of Materials ChemistryNational Institute of ChemistryHajdrihova 191000LjubljanaSlovenia
- University of Nova GoricaVipavska 135000Nova GoricaSlovenia
| | - Daniel Escalera‐López
- Helmholtz-Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable EnergyForschungszentrum JülichCauerstrasse 191058ErlangenGermany
| | - Serhiy Cherevko
- Helmholtz-Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable EnergyForschungszentrum JülichCauerstrasse 191058ErlangenGermany
| | - Nejc Hodnik
- Laboratory for ElectrocatalysisDepartment of Materials ChemistryNational Institute of ChemistryHajdrihova 191000LjubljanaSlovenia
- University of Nova GoricaVipavska 135000Nova GoricaSlovenia
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20
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Gram-Scale Synthesis of CoO/C as Base for PtCo/C High-Performance Catalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction. Catalysts 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/catal11121539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The composition, structure, catalytic activity in the ORR and stability of PtCo/C materials, obtained in two stages and compared with commercial Pt/C analogs, were studied. At the first stage of the synthesis performed by electrodeposition of cobalt on a carbon support, a CoOx/C composite containing 8% and 25 wt% cobalt oxide was successfully obtained. In the second step, PtCoOx/C catalysts of Pt1.56Co and Pt1.12Co composition containing 14 and 30 wt% Pt, respectively, were synthesized based on the previously obtained composites. According to the results of the composition and structure analysis of the obtained PtCoOx/C catalysts by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) methods, the formation of small bimetallic nanoparticles on the carbon support surface has been proved. The resulting catalysts demonstrated up to two times higher specific catalytic activity in the ORR and high stability compared to commercial Pt/C analogs.
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21
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Jiménez-García JC, Olmos-Asar JA, Franceschini EA, Mariscal MM. Effect of Nafion content and hydration level on the electrochemical area of a Pt nanocatalyst in the triple-phase boundary. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2021; 23:27543-27551. [PMID: 34874379 DOI: 10.1039/d1cp03731e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite the great scientific effort, there are still some aspects of a polymeric membrane-based fuel cell (PEMFC) operation that are difficult to access experimentally. This is the case of the so-called triple-phase boundary (TPB), where the ionomer (commonly Nafion) interacts with the supported nanocatalyst (commonly Pt) and is key to the catalytic activity of the system. In this work, we use molecular dynamics simulations and electrochemical experiments on a Nafion/Pt/C system. We perform a systematic analysis, at an atomistic level, to evaluate the effect of several fundamental factors and their intercorrelation on the electrochemically active area (ECSA) of the catalysts. Our results reveal that at high Nafion contents, the catalyst utilization is affected due to the strong interaction between the sulfonic groups of the ionomer and the surface of the Pt nanoparticles (NPs). On the other hand, when the hydration level of the membrane decreases, the sulfonic groups have a greater occupation on the NP surface, covering the active area with hydrophobic Nafion chains and therefore increasing the inactive area. Voltammograms can corroborate our calculations. Overall, this investigation allows us to rationalize how the catalyst utilization is affected, which is an important step in establishing the relationship between the environment and the effectiveness and durability of the PEMFC system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C Jiménez-García
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisico-Química de Córdoba (INFIQC) - CONICET, Córdoba, Argentina. .,Departamento de Química Teórica y Computacional, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Jimena A Olmos-Asar
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisico-Química de Córdoba (INFIQC) - CONICET, Córdoba, Argentina. .,Departamento de Química Teórica y Computacional, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Esteban A Franceschini
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisico-Química de Córdoba (INFIQC) - CONICET, Córdoba, Argentina. .,Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Marcelo M Mariscal
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisico-Química de Córdoba (INFIQC) - CONICET, Córdoba, Argentina. .,Departamento de Química Teórica y Computacional, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
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22
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Xia YF, Guo P, Li JZ, Zhao L, Sui XL, Wang Y, Wang ZB. How to appropriately assess the oxygen reduction reaction activity of platinum group metal catalysts with rotating disk electrode. iScience 2021; 24:103024. [PMID: 34585108 PMCID: PMC8450266 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) has becoming the bottleneck of largescale implementation of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. However, when it comes to the ORR activity assessing of platinum group metals (PGMs) with rotating disk electrode, the corresponding potential conversion vs. reversible hydrogen electrode, test protocols, and activity calculation processes are still in chaos in many published literatures. In this work, two standard calculation processes for PGM ORR activities are demonstrated, followed by a specification for the usage of reference electrodes. Then a 4-fold discrepancy in ORR activities obtained via different test protocols is found for the same Pt/C, and an average adsorption model and the "coverage effects" are proposed to illustrate the hysteresis loop between negative and positive-going ORR polarization plots. Finally, four motions over appropriate assessment of PGM ORR activity are emphasized, hoping to bring a fair communication platform for researchers from different groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Fei Xia
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, State Key Lab of Urban Water Resources and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Pan Guo
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, State Key Lab of Urban Water Resources and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Jia-Zhan Li
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, State Key Lab of Urban Water Resources and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Xu-Lei Sui
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Special Functional Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Yan Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Zhen-Bo Wang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, State Key Lab of Urban Water Resources and Environment, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Special Functional Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
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23
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Observing, tracking and analysing electrochemically induced atomic-scale structural changes of an individual Pt-Co nanoparticle as a fuel cell electrocatalyst by combining modified floating electrode and identical location electron microscopy. Electrochim Acta 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2021.138513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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24
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Zhang H, Barnard AS. Impact of atomistic or crystallographic descriptors for classification of gold nanoparticles. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:11887-11898. [PMID: 34190263 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr02258j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Machine learning models are known to be sensitive to the features used to train them, but there is currently no way to predict the impact of using different features prior to feature extraction. This is particularly important to fields such as nanotechnology that are highly multi-disciplinary, and samples can be characterised many different ways depending on the preferences of individual researchers. Does it matter if nanomaterials are described using the interatomic coordinations or more complex order parameters? In this study we compare results of supervised and unsupervised learning on a single set of gold nanoparticles that has been characterised by two different descriptors, each with a unique feature space. We find that there are some consistencies, and model selection is descriptor-agnostic, but the level of detail and the type of information that can be extracted from the results is sensitive to the way the particles are described. Unsupervised clustering revealed that an atomistic descriptor provides a finer-grained interpretation and clusters that are sub-clusters of a more sophisticated crystallographic descriptor, which is consistent with both how the features were calculated, and how they are interpreted in the domain. A supervised classifier revealed that the types of features responsible for the separation are related to the bulk structure, regardless of the descriptor, but capture different types of information. For both the atomistic and crystallographic descriptor the gradient boosting decision tree classifier gave superior results of F1-scores of 0.96 and 0.98, respectively, with excellent precision and recall, even though the clustering presented a challenging multi-classification problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haonan Zhang
- School of Computing, Australian National University, Acton 2601, Australia.
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Yu K, Deng J, Shen Y, Wang A, Shi L, Zhang D. Efficient catalytic combustion of toluene at low temperature by tailoring surficial Pt 0 and interfacial Pt-Al(OH) x species. iScience 2021; 24:102689. [PMID: 34195567 PMCID: PMC8233202 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Exploring highly efficient and low-cost supported Pt catalysts is attractive for the application of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) combustion. Herein, efficient catalytic combustion of toluene at low temperature over Pt/γ-Al2O3 catalysts has been demonstrated by tailoring active Pt species spatially. Pt/γ-Al2O3 catalyst with low Pt-content (0.26 wt%) containing both interfacial Pt-Al(OH)x and surficial metallic Pt (Pt0) species exhibited super activity and water-resistant stability for toluene oxidation. The strong metal-support interaction located at the Al-OH-Pt interfaces elongated the Pt-O bond and contributed to the oxidation of toluene. Meanwhile, the OH group at the Al-OH-Pt interfaces had the strongest adsorption and activation capability for toluene and the derived intermediate species were subsequently oxidized by oxygen species activated by surficial Pt0 to yield carbon dioxide and water. This work initiated an inspiring sight to the design of active Pt species for the VOCs combustion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Yu
- International Joint Laboratory of Catalytic Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Advanced Special Steel, College of Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Jiang Deng
- International Joint Laboratory of Catalytic Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Advanced Special Steel, College of Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yongjie Shen
- International Joint Laboratory of Catalytic Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Advanced Special Steel, College of Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Aiyong Wang
- International Joint Laboratory of Catalytic Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Advanced Special Steel, College of Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Liyi Shi
- International Joint Laboratory of Catalytic Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Advanced Special Steel, College of Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Dengsong Zhang
- International Joint Laboratory of Catalytic Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Advanced Special Steel, College of Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
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Pavlets A, Alekseenko A, Menshchikov V, Belenov S, Volochaev V, Pankov I, Safronenko O, Guterman V. Influence of Electrochemical Pretreatment Conditions of PtCu/C Alloy Electrocatalyst on Its Activity. NANOMATERIALS 2021; 11:nano11061499. [PMID: 34204068 PMCID: PMC8229528 DOI: 10.3390/nano11061499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
A carbon supported PtCux/C catalyst, which demonstrates high activity in the oxygen electroreduction and methanol electrooxidation reactions in acidic media, has been obtained using a method of chemical reduction of Pt (IV) and Cu (2+) in the liquid phase. It has been found that the potential range of the preliminary voltammetric activation of the PtCux/C catalyst has a significant effect on the de-alloyed material activity in the oxygen electroreduction reaction (ORR). High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) demonstrates that there are differences in the structures of the as-prepared material and the materials activated in different potential ranges. In this case, there is practically no difference in the composition of the PtCux-y/C materials obtained after activation in different conditions. The main reason for the established effect, apparently, is the reorganized features of the bimetallic nanoparticles’ surface structure, which depend on the value of the limiting anodic potential in the activation process. The effect of the activation conditions on the catalyst’s activity in the methanol electrooxidation reaction is less pronounced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina Pavlets
- Chemistry Faculty, Southern Federal University, 344090 Rostov-on-Don, Russia; (A.P.); (A.A.); (V.M.); (O.S.); (V.G.)
| | - Anastasia Alekseenko
- Chemistry Faculty, Southern Federal University, 344090 Rostov-on-Don, Russia; (A.P.); (A.A.); (V.M.); (O.S.); (V.G.)
| | - Vladislav Menshchikov
- Chemistry Faculty, Southern Federal University, 344090 Rostov-on-Don, Russia; (A.P.); (A.A.); (V.M.); (O.S.); (V.G.)
| | - Sergey Belenov
- Chemistry Faculty, Southern Federal University, 344090 Rostov-on-Don, Russia; (A.P.); (A.A.); (V.M.); (O.S.); (V.G.)
- Correspondence: or
| | - Vadim Volochaev
- Institute of Physical and Organic Chemistry, Southern Federal University, 344090 Rostov-on-Don, Russia; (V.V.); (I.P.)
| | - Ilya Pankov
- Institute of Physical and Organic Chemistry, Southern Federal University, 344090 Rostov-on-Don, Russia; (V.V.); (I.P.)
| | - Olga Safronenko
- Chemistry Faculty, Southern Federal University, 344090 Rostov-on-Don, Russia; (A.P.); (A.A.); (V.M.); (O.S.); (V.G.)
| | - Vladimir Guterman
- Chemistry Faculty, Southern Federal University, 344090 Rostov-on-Don, Russia; (A.P.); (A.A.); (V.M.); (O.S.); (V.G.)
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