Composition-driven shape evolution to Cu-rich PtCu octahedral alloy nanocrystals as superior bifunctional catalysts for methanol oxidation and oxygen reduction reaction

Bubble-Mediated Large-Scale Hierarchical Assembly of Ultrathin Pt Nanowire Network Monolayer at Gas/Liquid Interfaces

Extensive macroscale two-dimensional (2-D) platinum (Pt) nanowire network (NWN) sheets are created through a hierarchical self-assembly process with the aid of biomolecular ligands. The Pt NWN sheet is assembled from the attachment growth of 1.9 nm-sized 0-D nanocrystals into 1-D nanowires featuring a high density of grain boundaries, which then interconnect to form monolayer network structures extending into centimeter-scale size. Further investigation into the formation mechanism reveals that the initial emergence of NWN sheets occurs at the gas/liquid interfaces of the bubbles produced by sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) during the synthesis process. Upon the rupture of these bubbles, an exocytosis-like process releases the Pt NWN sheets at the gas/liquid surface, which subsequently merge into a continuous monolayer Pt NWN sheet. The Pt NWN sheets exhibit outstanding oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activities, with specific and mass activities 12.0 times and 21.2 times greater, respectively, than those of current state-of-the-art commercial Pt/C electrocatalysts.

PtCuRu Nanoflowers with Ru-Rich Edge for Efficient Fuel-Cell Electrocatalysis

Enhancing the catalytic activity of Pt-based alloy by a rational structural design is the key to addressing the sluggish kinetics of direct alcohol fuel cells. Herein, a facile one-pot method is reported to synthesize PtCuRu nanoflowers (NFs). The synergetic effect among Pt, Cu, and Ru can lower the d-band center of Pt, regulate the morphology, generate Ru-rich edge, and allow the exposure of more high index facets. The optimized Pt_0.68 Cu_0.18 Ru_0.14 NFs exhibit outstanding electrocatalytic performances and excellent anti-poisoning abilities. The specific activities for the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) (7.65 mA cm^-2 ) and ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) (7.90 mA cm^-2 ) are 6.0 and 7.1 times higher than commercial Pt/C, respectively. The CO stripping experiment and the chronoamperometric (5000 s) demonstrate the superior anti-poisoning property and durability performance. Density functional theory calculations confirm that high metallization degree leads to the decrease of d-band center, the promotion of oxidation of CO, and improvement of the inherent activity and anti-poisoning ability. A Ru-rich edge exposes abundant high index facets to accelerate the reaction kinetics of rate-determining steps by decreasing the energy barrier for forming *HCOOH (MOR) and CC bond breaking (EOR).

Advances in platinum-based and platinum-free oxygen reduction reaction catalysts for cathodes in direct methanol fuel cells

Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) have been the focus of future research because of their simple structure, abundant fuel sources, high energy conversion efficiency and low cost. Among the components in DMFC, the activity and stability of the cathode catalyst is the key to the performance and lifetime of the DMFCs. Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is an important electrode reaction on DMFC cathode. It is known that Pt is widely used in the fabrication of ORR catalysts, but the limited earth storage of Pt and its high price limit the use of Pt-based commercial catalysts in DMFCs. To overcome these problems, advances have been made on new low Pt-based catalysts and Pt-free catalysts in recent years. In this article, the development of novel ORR catalysts and the carbon supports is reviewed and discussed.

Cobalt Single Atoms Enabling Efficient Methanol Oxidation Reaction on Platinum Anchored on Nitrogen-Doped Carbon

Developing efficient platinum (Pt)-based electrocatalysts with high tolerance to CO poisoning for the methanol oxidation reaction is critical for the development of direct methanol fuel cells. In this work, cobalt single atoms are introduced to enhance the electrocatalytic performance of N-doped carbon supported Pt (N-C/Pt) for the methanol oxidation reaction. The cobalt single atoms are believed to play a critical role in accelerating the prompt oxidation of CO to CO₂ and minimizing the CO blocking of the adjacent Pt active sites. Benefitting from the synergistic effects among the Co single atoms, the Pt nanoparticles, and the N-doped carbon support, the Co-modified N-C/Pt (Co-N-C/Pt) electrocatalyst simultaneously delivers impressive electrocatalytic activity and durability with lower onset potential and superb CO poisoning resistance as compared to the N-C/Pt and the commercial Pt/C electrocatalysts.

Engineering PtCu nanoparticles for a highly efficient methanol electro-oxidation reaction

Achieving a highly efficient and durable methanol electro-oxidation catalyst in acid media is critical for the practical utilization of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) at the commercial scale. Herein, we report a facile and effective one-pot strategy for the synthesis of carbon-supported PtCu alloy nanoparticles (PtCu NPs) with a Pt-rich surface, small particle size and uniform dispersion. The as-prepared PtCu NPs with the optimal alloy composition (Pt₂Cu) exhibit a significantly improved electrochemical methanol oxidation reaction performance in terms of a high activity, superior CO tolerance and remarkable durability, in contrast to those of commercial Pt/C catalysts in acid media. Particularly, the Pt₂Cu/C catalyst exerts a 4.5 times enhancement in the mass activity and a larger I_f/I_b value compared to those of commercial Pt/C (Pt/C_comm). The enhanced catalytic activities can be ascribed to the high utilization of Pt and the high index facets of the surface. Also, the addition of Cu downshifts the d-band center of Pt and improves the CO tolerance during the methanol oxidation reaction process. This work provides an efficient strategy for designing desired Pt-based alloys for various catalytic reactions.

Thermodynamically driven metal diffusion strategy for controlled synthesis of high-entropy alloy electrocatalysts

We report a thermodynamically driven metal diffusion strategy for the controlled synthesis of high-entropy alloy (HEA) nanocrystals using electrospun carbon nanofibers (CNFs) as nanoreactors. This conceptual pathway is resistant to high temperatures and produces a series of medium-entropy alloy (MEA) and HEA nanocrystals supported on CNFs by adjusting the numbers and kinds of elements. The FeCoNiCrMn/CNFs obtained the lowest overpotential of 345 mV at 50 mA cm^-2 compared to MEA. The operando electrochemical Raman results indicate that the enhanced electron transfer from low-electronegativity Fe, Ni, Cr and Mn to the orbit of the Co atom makes Co a local negative charge center, leading to the decrease in absorption energy of OH.

Interface atom mobility and charge transfer effects on CuO and Cu2O formation on Cu3Pd(111) and Cu3Pt(111)

We bombarded [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] with a 2.3 eV hyperthermal oxygen molecular beam (HOMB) source, and characterized the corresponding (oxide) surfaces with synchrotron-radiation X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (SR-XPS). At [Formula: see text], CuO forms on both [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. When we increase the surface temperature to [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] also forms on [Formula: see text], but not on [Formula: see text]. For comparison, [Formula: see text] forms even at [Formula: see text] on Cu(111). On [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] forms only after [Formula: see text], and no oxides can be found at [Formula: see text]. We ascribe this difference in Cu oxide formation to the mobility of the interfacial species (Cu/Pd/Pt) and charge transfer between the surface Cu oxides and subsurface species (Cu/Pd/Pt).

Cubic-like PtCuRu Nanocrystals with High Activity and Stability for Methanol Electro-oxidation

Porous cubic-like PtCu and PtCuRu nanocrystals, which had a similar porous three-dimensional structure, were successfully prepared via the one-pot method. During the growth of the nanocrystals, cetyltrimethylammonium chloride and ascorbic acid were employed as the structure director and assistant reducing agent, respectively. The structure and possible formation of the nanocrystals were investigated. It is worth mentioning that the PtCuRu nanocrystals demonstrated a much better methanol electro-oxidation ability and ultrahigh stability, which displayed 3.4- and 3-fold higher specific and mass activity, respectively, than the commercial Pt/C. The advantage of PtCuRu nanocrystals was possibly ascribed to the synergistic effect of Cu and the porous structure and, more importantly, the presence of Ru that could more efficiently eliminate the harmful intermediates.

Insights into the morphology and composition effects of one-dimensional CuPt nanostructures on the electrocatalytic activities and methanol oxidation mechanism by in situ FTIR

Morphology modulation and surface structure-controlled synthesis are two effective ways to tune the electrocatalytic activities of metal nanomaterials. Pt-based binary or ternary metal nanostructures have become a class of promising catalysts toward the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) for direct methanol fuel cells. Herein to reveal the morphology and surface structure effects of one-dimensional (1D) Pt-based nanostructures on their electrocatalytic properties, two types of 1D CuPt nanowires (CuPt NWs) and CuPt nanotubes (CuPt NTs) with tunable surface structures and compositions were fabricated using a convenient and easy strategy. It was found that among all the studied samples, CuPt2.22 NWs exhibited the highest efficiency catalytic performances for both the ORR and MOR in an acidic electrolyte. For the ORR, CuPt2.22 NWs exhibited an onset potential (Eonset) of 0.749 V and a half-wave potential (E1/2) of 0.577 V, which are more positive than those of the commercial Pt/C (0.668 V and 0.558 V). On the other hand, CuPt2.22 NWs show a specific activity of 20.76 mA cm-2 and a mass activity of 0.171 mA μgPt-1 for the MOR, which are 7.75 and 1.82 times, respectively, larger than those of Pt/C (2.679 mA cm-2 and 0.094 mA μgPt-1). Meanwhile, the reaction mechanism of the MOR on CuPt2.22 NWs was examined by in situ FTIR. From the enhanced IR absorption, the linear- and bridge-adsorbed CO intermediates can be determined during the methanol oxidation on CuPt2.22 NWs, from which the MOR proceeds through a dual reaction pathway. This work reveals that rationally tuning the electronic structures of 1D metal nanomaterials by well-controlling the composition and surface morphology on the nanoscale could greatly enhance the catalytic properties, which are very important for their application in fuel cells.

A scalable synthesis of ternary nanocatalysts for a high-efficiency electrooxidation catalysis by microfluidics

Microfluidic synthesis has attracted extensive attention due to the ability for the multistep precise control of the synthesis parameters, continuous and reproducible preparation, and its ease of integration. However, its commercial application is still affected by its low production efficiency. In this case, we report a high-throughput continuous flow synthesis of highly dispersed PtFeCu/C nanocatalysts using a metal microchip setup with four parallel channels. The high flow rate and integrated channels enabled improving the throughput, whereby 1.33 g h^-1 of catalysts could be achieved with the flow rate of 1200 mL h^-1 under the experimental conditions. The as-prepared PtFeCu/C exhibited excellent performance, 1.94 times higher than Pt/C for methanol oxidation. More importantly, the yield of the PtFeCu/C nanocatalysts could be further increased through designing numerous parallel channels, which might provide a promising approach for large-scale commercialization of the catalysts. Such a high-throughput fabrication pathway is significant for the large-scale industrial production of nanomaterials.

Bimetallic and postsynthetically alloyed PtCu nanostructures with tunable reactivity for the methanol oxidation reaction

Designing effective catalysts by controlling morphology and structure is key to improving the energy efficiency of fuel cells. A good understanding of the effects of specific structures on electrocatalytic activity, selectivity, and stability is needed. Here, we propose a facile method to synthesize PtCu bimetallic nanostructures with controllable compositions by using Cu nanowires as a template and ascorbic acid as a reductant. A further annealing process provided the alloy PtCu with tunable crystal structures. The combination of distinct structures with tunable compositions in the form of PtCu nanowires provides plenty of information for better understanding the reaction mechanism during catalysis. HClO₄ cyclic voltammetry (CV) tests confirmed that various phase transformations occurred in bimetallic and alloy samples, affecting morphology and unit cell structures. Under a bifunctional synergistic effect and the influence of the insertion of a second metal, the two series of structures show superior performance toward methanol electrooxidation. Typically, the post-product alloy A-Pt₁₄Cu₈₆ with a cubic structure (a = 3.702 Å) has better methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) catalysis performance. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to determine an optimal pathway using the Gibbs free energy and to verify the dependence of the electrocatalytic performance on the lattice structure via overpotential changes. Bimetallic PtCu has high CO tolerance, maintaining high stability. This work provides an approach for the systematic design of novel catalysts and the exploration of electrocatalytic mechanisms for fuel cells and other related applications.

Three-Dimensional PdPtCu Nanoalloys with a Controllable Composition and Spiny Surface for the Enhancement of Ethanol Electrocatalytic Properties

Pt-based nanomaterials have been proven to be effective catalysts for direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs). Specifically, the ternary nanoalloys (NAs) composed of Pt with other noble metals and transition metals can not only reduce the component of Pt but also enhance the electrocatalytic property and durability for alcohol oxidation. Herein, ternary PdPtCu NAs were synthesized through the solvothermal method using ethylene glycol as the solvent and reducing agent. The morphology and composition of PdPtCu NAs can be effectively controlled via selecting suitable surfactants and adjusting the proportion of precursors. The three-dimensional (3D) PdPtCu NAs with spiny rambutan-like morphology were obtained using the triblock copolymer Pluronic F-127 (PF-127) as the surfactant and adding three precursors with an equal molar ratio. The unique structure of PdPtCu NAs and the synergistic effect between the components significantly improved the electrocatalytic activity toward ethanol oxidation. Compared with different atomic ratio binary or ternary nanomaterials, 3D PdPtCu NAs manifested the best electrocatalytic performance.

Segmentation and Re-encapsulation of Porous PtCu Nanoparticles by Generated Carbon Shell for Enhanced Ethylene Glycol Oxidation and Oxygen-Reduction Reaction

Hierarchical porous carbon-encapsulated ultrasmall PtCu (UsPtCu@C) nanoparticles (NPs) were constructed based on segmentation and re-encapsulation of porous PtCu NPs by using glucose as a green biomass carbon source. The synergistic electronic effect from the bimetallic elements can enhance the catalytic activity by adjusting the surface electronic structure of Pt. Most importantly, the generated porous carbon shell provided a large contact surface area, excellent electrical conductivity, and structural stability, and the ultrasmall PtCu NPs exhibited an increased electrochemical performance compared with their PtCu matrix because of the exposure of more catalytically active centers. This synergistic relationship between the components resulted in enhanced catalytic activity and better stability of the obtained UsPtCu@C for ethylene glycol oxidation reaction and the oxygen-reduction reaction in alkaline electrolyte, which was higher than the PtCu NPs and commercial Pt/C (20 wt % Pt on Vulcan XC-72). The electrochemically active surface areas of the UsPtCu@C, PtCu NPs, and commercial Pt/C were calculated to be approximately 230.2, 32.8, and 64.0 m²/g_Pt, respectively; the mass activity of the UsPtCu@C for the ethylene glycol oxidation reaction was 8.5 A/mg_Pt, which was 14.2 and 8.5 times that of PtCu NPs and commercial Pt/C, respectively. The specific activity of UsPtCu@C was 3.7 mA/cm_pt², which was 2.1 and 2.3 times that of PtCu NPs and commercial Pt/C, respectively. The onset potential (E_on-set) of UsPtCu@C for the oxygen-reduction reaction was 0.96 V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode, RHE), which was 110 and 60 mV higher than PtCu and commercial Pt/C, respectively. The half-wave potentials (E_1/2) of UsPtCu@C, PtCu, and Pt/C were 0.88, 0.56, and 0.82 V (vs RHE), respectively, which indicated that the UsPtCu@C catalyst had an excellent bifunctional electrocatalytic activity.

Size dependent oxygen reduction and methanol oxidation reactions: catalytic activities of PtCu octahedral nanocrystals

Synthesis of PtCu octahedral nanocatalysts with controlled size and strain exhibit excellent oxygen reduction reaction, but leads to higher onset over-potentials in methanol oxidation reaction and CO-stripping.

PtFeCu Concave Octahedron Nanocrystals as Electrocatalysts for the Methanol Oxidation Reaction

In this work, PtFeCu concave octahedron nanocrystals were synthesized by a one-pot solvothermal method. The PtFeCu concave octahedron nanocrystals were applied as an electrocatalyst for the electrooxidation of methanol and have shown high electrocatalytic activity and long-term durability. The electrocatalysis performances of the PtFeCu concave octahedron nanocrystals are better than those of the PtFe and PtCu nanocrystals and commercial Pt/C. The synergistic effect of the Pt, Fe, and Cu metals and the unique concave octahedron morphology may be the main cause of the superior electrocatalytic performances of the PtFeCu nanocrystals. The PtFeCu concave octahedron nanocrystals have a potential application as an anode catalyst for direct methanol fuel cells.

Facile Synthesis of Quaternary Structurally Ordered L12-Pt(Fe, Co, Ni)3 Nanoparticles with Low Content of Platinum as Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction Electrocatalysts

Synthesis of electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) with not only prominent electrocatalytic performance but also a low amount of Pt is the urgent challenge in the popularization of fuel cells. In this work, through a facile synthetic strategy of spray dehydration on a solid surface and annealing process, we demonstrate the first manufacture of quaternary structurally ordered PtM₃ (M = transition metal) intermetallic nanoparticles (NPs), Pt(Fe, Co, Ni)₃, in order to lower the content of Pt. The atomic contents of Pt, Fe, Co, and Ni are equal and the chemical structure of Pt(Fe, Co, Ni)₃ is a cubic L1₂-ordered structure. L1₂-Pt(Fe, Co, Ni)₃/C electrocatalysts exhibit enhanced electrocatalytic performance toward ORR with mass activity (MA) 6.6 times higher than the commercial Pt/C and a minimal loss of 17% in MA and 1.5% loss in specific activity (SA) after 10 000 potential cycles at 0.9 V. Furthermore, the stability behavior is confirmed to be attributed to the coaction of particle sizes and the ordering effect. Compared with traditional Pt-based electrocatalysts in the stoichiometric forms of Pt₃M and PtM, L1₂-Pt(Fe, Co, Ni)₃ intermetallic NPs exhibit excellent performance and higher cost effectiveness. Moreover, this work also proposes a facile and effective synthetic strategy for manufacturing multicomponent Pt-based electrocatalysts for ORR.

Cu5Pt Dodecahedra with Low-Pt Content: Facile Synthesis and Outstanding Formic Acid Electrooxidation

Tailoring composition and structure are significantly important to improve the utilization and optimize the performance of the precious Pt catalyst toward various reactions, which greatly relies on the feasible synthesis approach. Herein, we demonstrate that Cu-rich Cu₅Pt alloys with unique excavated dodecahedral frame-like structure (Cu₅Pt nanoframes) can be synthesized via simply adjusting the amounts of salt precursors and surfactants under hydrothermal conditions. It is established that the presence of hexamethylenetetramine and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, as well as the selection of a proper Pt/Cu ratio are key for the acquisition of the target product. The immediate appeal of this material stems from frame-like architecture and ultralow Pt content involved, which can be used to greatly improve the utilization efficiency of Pt atoms. When benchmarked against commercial catalysts, the developed Cu₅Pt nanostructures display superior electrocatalytic performance toward formic acid oxidation, owing to unique electronic effect and ensemble effect. This work elucidates a promising methodology for the synthesis of Pt-based nanostructures while highlights the significance of composition and structure in electrocatalysis.

Polyhedron-Assembled Ternary PtCuCo Nanochains: Integrated Functions Enhance the Electrocatalytic Performance of Methanol Oxidation at Elevated Temperature

Recently, the preparation of a high-performance one-dimensional alloy nanostructure for fuel cells has been given increasing attention due to its smart-structure merits and electronic effect triggered by alloying different kinds of metals at the nanoscale. In this study, unique ternary PtCuCo nanochains assembled with small polyhedra are first achieved and used as high-performance anode electrocatalysts toward methanol oxidation at elevated temperature (60 °C) that is closer to the operating temperature of direct methanol fuel cells than room temperature. The specific activity/mass activity of Pt₄₅Cu₃₅Co₂₀ one-dimensional nanochains can reach up to 18.24 mA cm^-2/4.19 A mg^-1_Pt that is 9.25/10.47 times that of commercial Pt black in sulfuric acid medium. After a 3600 s durability test, the remaining current density of Pt₄₅Cu₃₅Co₂₀ one-dimensional nanochains is 73.3 times that of commercial Pt black. The structure characterizations show that the high density of surface active sites, d-band center of the Pt downshift, moderate strain effect, and synergetic effect are jointly responsible for the enhanced electrocatalytic performance of one-dimensional ternary PtCuCo nanochains.

Pyrolytic Carbon-coated Cu-Fe Alloy Nanoparticles with High Catalytic Performance for Oxygen Electroreduction

Well-dispersed carbon-coated or nitrogen-doped carbon-coated copper-iron alloy nanoparticles (FeCu@C or FeCu@C-N) in carbon-based supports are obtained using a bimetallic metal-organic framework (Cu/Fe-MOF-74) or a mixture of Cu/Fe-MOF-74 and melamine as sacrificial templates and an active-component precursor by using a pyrolysis method. The investigation results attest formation of Cu-Fe alloy nanoparticles. The obtained FeCu@C catalyst exhibits a catalytic activity with a half-wave potential of 0.83 V for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline medium, comparable to that on commercial Pt/C catalyst (0.84 V). The catalytic activity of FeCu@C-N for ORR (E_half-wave =0.87 V) outshines all reported analogues. The excellent performance of FeCu@C-N should be attributed to a change in the energy of the d-band center of Cu resulting from the formation of the copper-iron alloy, the interaction between alloy nanoparticles and supports and N-doping in the carbon matrix. Moreover, FeCu@C and FeCu@C-N show better electrochemical stability and methanol tolerance than commercial Pt/C and are expected to be widely used in practical applications.

Shape-Controlled Nanoparticles as Anodic Catalysts in Low-Temperature Fuel Cells

The great dependence of the electrocatalytic activity of most electrochemical reactions on the catalytic surface area and specific surface structure is widely accepted. Building on the extensive knowledge already available on single-crystal surfaces, this Perspective discusses the recent progress made in low-temperature fuel cells through the use of the most active shape-controlled noble metal-based nanoparticles. In particular, we will focus on discussing structure-composition-reactivity correlations in methanol, ethanol, and formic acid oxidation reactions and will offer a general vision of future needs.

Ternary PtRuCu aerogels for enhanced methanol electrooxidation

Ternary PtRuCu aerogels are facilely synthesized by one-step in situ reduction. The formation of ternary PtRuCu aerogels can be completed within 2 hours owing to the accelerated gelation kinetics. Because of the unique porous architectures and synergistic effect, the optimized Pt4Ru1Cu5 aerogels exhibited good electrochemical performance for methanol oxidation reaction.

Shape-controlled metal nanoparticles for electrocatalytic applications

The application of shape-controlled metal nanoparticles is profoundly impacting the field of electrocatalysis. On the one hand, their use has remarkably enhanced the electrocatalytic activity of many different reactions of interest. On the other hand, their usage is deeply contributing to a correct understanding of the correlations between shape/surface structure and electrochemical reactivity at the nanoscale. However, from the point of view of an electrochemist, there are a number of questions that must be fully satisfied before the evaluation of the shaped metal nanoparticles as electrocatalysts including (i) surface cleaning, (ii) surface structure characterization, and (iii) correlations between particle shape and surface structure. In this chapter, we will cover all these aspects. Initially, we will collect and discuss about the different practical protocols and procedures for obtaining clean shaped metal nanoparticles. This is an indispensable requirement for the establishment of correct correlations between shape/surface structure and electrochemical reactivity. Next, we will also report how some easy-to-do electrochemical experiments including their subsequent analyses can enormously contribute to a detailed characterization of the surface structure of the shaped metal nanoparticles. At this point, we will remark that the key point determining the resulting electrocatalytic activity is the surface structure of the nanoparticles (obviously, the atomic composition is also extremely relevant) but not the particle shape. Finally, we will summarize some of the most significant advances/results on the use of these shaped metal nanoparticles in electrocatalysis covering a wide range of electrocatalytic reactions including fuel cell-related reactions (electrooxidation of formic acid, methanol and ethanol and oxygen reduction) and also CO2 electroreduction.

Graphical Abstract:

Intrinsic strain-induced segregation in multiply twinned Cu–Pt icosahedra

We present an atomistic simulation study on the compositional arrangements throughout Cu–Pt icosahedra, with a specific focus on the effects of inherent strain on general segregation trends.

Hofmann-like metal–organic-framework-derived PtxFe/C/N-GC composites as efficient electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation

Pt_xFe/C/N-GC electrocatalysts were prepared using a composite of Hofmann-like Pt/Fe-based metal–organic frameworks and two-dimensional oxidized graphene. The Pt_xFe/C/N-GC-700 composite (annealed at 700 °C) exhibited an enhanced mass activity in the electrocatalytic methanol oxidation reaction, which was ten times higher than that of commercial Pt/C (20%) catalysts.

Pt-based bimetallic catalysts derived from Pt/Fe-based metal–organic frameworks were prepared for electrocatalytic methanol oxidation, for which the mass activity is ten times higher than that of commercial Pt/C (20%) catalysts.

Galvanic replacement mediated 3D porous PtCu nano-frames for enhanced ethylene glycol oxidation

Galvanic replacement mediated 3D porous PtCu nano-frames possessed enhanced electrocatalytic activity and stability during ethylene glycol oxidation.

Low Pt Alloyed Nanostructures for Fuel Cells Catalysts

Low-noble metal electrocatalysts are attracting massive attention for anode and cathode reactions in fuel cells. Pt transition metal alloy nanostructures have demonstrated their advantages in high performance low-noble metal electrocatalysts due to synergy effects. The basic of designing this type of catalysts lies in understanding structure-performance correlation at the atom and electron level. Herein, design threads of highly active and durable Pt transition metal alloy nanocatalysts are summarized, with highlighting their synthetic realization. Microscopic and electron structure characterization methods and their prospects will be introduced. Recent progress will be discussed in high active and durable Pt transition metal alloy nanocatalysts towards oxygen reduction and methanol oxidation, with their structure-performance correlations illustrated. Lastly, an outlook will be given on promises and challenges in future developing of Pt transition metal alloy nanostructures towards fuel cells catalysis uses.

Enhanced oxygen reduction activity of Pt shells on PdCu truncated octahedra with different compositions

Pd@Pt core-shell nanocrystals with ultrathin Pt layers have received great attention as active and low Pt loading catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, the reduction of Pd loading without compromising the catalytic performance is also highly desired since Pd is an expensive and scarce noble-metal. Here we report the epitaxial growth of ultrathin Pt shells on Pd x Cu truncated octahedra by a seed-mediated approach. The Pd/Cu atomic ratio (x) of the truncated octahedral seeds was tuned from 2, 1 to 0.5 by varying the feeding molar ratio of Pd to Cu precursors. When used as catalysts for ORR, these three Pd x Cu@Pt core-shell truncated octahedra exhibited substantially enhanced catalytic activities compared to commercial Pt/C. Specifically, Pd2Cu@Pt catalysts achieved the highest area-specific activity (0.46 mA cm-2) and mass activity (0.59 mA μgPt -1) at 0.9 V, which were 2.7 and 4.5 times higher than those of the commercial Pt/C. In addition, these Pd x Cu@Pt core-shell catalysts showed a similar durability with the commercial Pt/C after 10 000 cycles due to the dissolution of active Cu and Pd in the cores.

Facile Surfactant-Free Synthesis of Composition-Tunable Bimetallic PtCu Alloy Nanosponges for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Applications

Sponge-like metal nanomaterials have been paid great attention due to their unique structure for wide applications in hydrogen storage, filtration, sensors, heterogeneous catalysis, and fuel cells. Here, we first use a facile, bottom-up method to successfully prepare composition-tunable PtCu alloy nanosponges constructed with sub-4.5 nm particle building blocks. Due to the porous structure, structure defects, and synergetic effect of Pt and Cu, the PtCu alloy nanosponges exhibit good electrocatalytic performances towards methanol oxidation. Compared with pure Pt nanosponges, the specific/mass activity on PtCu2 alloy nanosponges is 5.84/2.93 times that on pure Pt nanosponges. Furthermore, the stability and reactivation ability of PtCu alloy nanosponges are also superior to pure Pt nanosponges.