Some reflections on the understanding of the oxygen reduction reaction at Pt(111)

Insight into a pure spinel Co3O4 and boron, nitrogen, sulphur (BNS) tri-doped Co3O4-rGO nanocomposite for the electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction

The intricate problems concerning energy require innovative solutions. Herein, we propose a smart composite nano system that can be used in a sustainable and dichotomous manner to resolve energy crises. The current study describes a new way to synthesize a pure spinel cobalt oxide (Co3O4) and boron (B), nitrogen (N), and sulfur (S) tri-doped Co3O4-reduced graphite oxide (rGO) nanocomposite (CBNS). A hydrothermal method has been used for the synthesis of these nanomaterials. The synthesized nanocomposite was characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The XRD results showed the formation of Co3O4 and B, N, S doped nanocomposite with high purity and crystallinity. XAS analysis elucidates the formation of spinel Co3O4 with tetrahedral and octahedral arrangement of cobalt ions. The peaks at 2.50 Å and 3.07 Å are due to the Co-Co bonding. The electrocatalytic oxygen reduction (ORR) was successfully implemented using these nanocomposites. The electrochemical study exhibits the better activity of the B, N, and S tri-doped Co3O4-rGO nanocomposite due to the mutual effect of B, N and S. The synthesized catalyst has maximum current density of 9.97 mA cm-2 with onset potential (Eonset) of 0.98 V in alkaline medium.

Review on Magnetism in Catalysis: From Theory to PEMFC Applications of 3d Metal Pt-Based Alloys

The relationship between magnetism and catalysis has been an important topic since the mid-20th century. At present time, the scientific community is well aware that a full comprehension of this relationship is required to face modern challenges, such as the need for clean energy technology. The successful use of (para-)magnetic materials has already been corroborated in catalytic processes, such as hydrogenation, Fenton reaction and ammonia synthesis. These catalysts typically contain transition metals from the first to the third row and are affected by the presence of an external magnetic field. Nowadays, it appears that the most promising approach to reach the goal of a more sustainable future is via ferromagnetic conducting catalysts containing open-shell metals (i.e., Fe, Co and Ni) with extra stabilization coming from the presence of an external magnetic field. However, understanding how intrinsic and extrinsic magnetic features are related to catalysis is still a complex task, especially when catalytic performances are improved by these magnetic phenomena. In the present review, we introduce the relationship between magnetism and catalysis and outline its importance in the production of clean energy, by describing the representative case of 3d metal Pt-based alloys, which are extensively investigated and exploited in PEM fuel cells.

Electrocatalysis in Alkaline Media and Alkaline Membrane-Based Energy Technologies

Hydrogen energy-based electrochemical energy conversion technologies offer the promise of enabling a transition of the global energy landscape from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Here, we present a comprehensive review of the fundamentals of electrocatalysis in alkaline media and applications in alkaline-based energy technologies, particularly alkaline fuel cells and water electrolyzers. Anion exchange (alkaline) membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) enable the use of nonprecious electrocatalysts for the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), relative to proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), which require Pt-based electrocatalysts. However, the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) kinetics is significantly slower in alkaline media than in acidic media. Understanding these phenomena requires applying theoretical and experimental methods to unravel molecular-level thermodynamics and kinetics of hydrogen and oxygen electrocatalysis and, particularly, the proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) process that takes place in a proton-deficient alkaline media. Extensive electrochemical and spectroscopic studies, on single-crystal Pt and metal oxides, have contributed to the development of activity descriptors, as well as the identification of the nature of active sites, and the rate-determining steps of the HOR and ORR. Among these, the structure and reactivity of interfacial water serve as key potential and pH-dependent kinetic factors that are helping elucidate the origins of the HOR and ORR activity differences in acids and bases. Additionally, deliberately modulating and controlling catalyst-support interactions have provided valuable insights for enhancing catalyst accessibility and durability during operation. The design and synthesis of highly conductive and durable alkaline membranes/ionomers have enabled AEMFCs to reach initial performance metrics equal to or higher than those of PEMFCs. We emphasize the importance of using membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) to integrate the often separately pursued/optimized electrocatalyst/support and membranes/ionomer components. Operando/in situ methods, at multiscales, and ab initio simulations provide a mechanistic understanding of electron, ion, and mass transport at catalyst/ionomer/membrane interfaces and the necessary guidance to achieve fuel cell operation in air over thousands of hours. We hope that this Review will serve as a roadmap for advancing the scientific understanding of the fundamental factors governing electrochemical energy conversion in alkaline media with the ultimate goal of achieving ultralow Pt or precious-metal-free high-performance and durable alkaline fuel cells and related technologies.

Investigation of the oxygen reduction kinetics and mechanism on ordered mesoporous carbon-supported Pt-based catalysts

The kinetics and mechanism of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on the surface of Pt and PtAgFe catalysts supported by ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) were investigated. Metal particles were loaded by the wet impregnation-reduction method on two types of OMC, one being surface-modified by HNO3 and the other unmodified. Cyclic voltammetry measurements showed that Pt on modified OMC, namely Pt/OMC-M, had the highest electroactive surface area among OMC-supported catalyts with 987 cm2/mg. This catalyst had also a mass activity of 39.1 mA/mgPt, which was the same as the carbon black supported commercial Pt/C catalyst. Rotating disk electrode (RDE) studies revealed that the net number of transferred electrons for OMC supported Pt and PtAgFe catalysts were in the range between 3 and 4, indicating a predominant 4-electron water formation route. The ORR mechanisms on Pt/OMC and PtAgFe/OMC were found to be similar with that of Pt/C; however, the associative mechanism was pronounced at a wider potential range. The modified OMC-supported catalysts showed higher oxygen reduction activities in general.

Green Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of CoFeRu-Based Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

A simple and rapid synthesis of a CoFeRu-based electrocatalyst by a microwave-assisted method (using water as the microwave absorbing solvent) is reported in this work. Agglomerates with different sizes and shapes are observed by scanning electron microscopy technique. The energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy shows a low atomic percentage of Co and similar atomic percentage of Fe and Ru. However, the X-ray diffraction exhibits only the presence of metallic Ru and Fe₂O₃ (hematite) phases. The oxygen reduction without and with 2 mol L⁻¹ methanol is studied using the rotating disk electrode technique. The electrochemical kinetic parameters obtained are compared to a similar electrocatalyst reported in the literature, which was synthesized using a mixture of an organic solvent with DI water as the microwave absorbing solvent. An improvement on the activity of the electrocatalyst synthesized is observed, where high Tafel slopes are not observed. The electrocatalyst also showed tolerance to the presence of methanol during the oxygen reduction reaction.

Theoretical analysis of oxygen reduction reaction activity on single metal (Ni, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, Au) atom supported on defective two-dimensional boron nitride materials

Single metal atom supported by a defective two-dimensional boron nitride material is a promising ORR catalyst.

Electrochemical Quantification of Extracellular Local H2O2 Kinetics Originating from Single Cells

AIMS

H₂O₂ is produced by all eukaryotic cells under physiological and pathological conditions. Due to its enormous relevance for cell signaling at low concentrations and antipathogenic function at high concentrations, precise quantification of extracellular local hydrogen peroxide concentrations ([H₂O₂]) originating from single cells is required.

RESULTS

Using a scanning electrochemical microscope and bare platinum disk ultramicroelectrodes, we established sensitive long-term measurements of extracellular [H₂O₂] kinetics originating from single primary human monocytes (MCs) ex vivo. For the electrochemical techniques square wave voltammetry, cyclic and linear scan voltammetry, and chronoamperometry, detection limits for [H₂O₂] were determined to be 5, 50, and 500 nM, respectively. Following phorbol ester stimulation, local [H₂O₂] 5-8 μm above a single MC increased by 3.4 nM/s within the first 10 min before reaching a plateau. After extracellular addition of H₂O₂ to an unstimulated MC, the local [H₂O₂] decreased on average by 4.2 nM/s due to degradation processes of the cell. Using the scanning mode of the setup, we found that H₂O₂ is evenly distributed around the producing cell and can still be detected up to 30 μm away from the cell. The electrochemical single-cell measurements were validated in MC populations using electron spin resonance spectroscopy and the Amplex^® UltraRed assay. Innovation and Conclusion: We demonstrate a highly sensitive, spatially, and temporally resolved electrochemical approach to monitor dynamics of production and degradation processes for H₂O₂ separately. Local extracellular [H₂O₂] kinetics originating from single cells is quantified in real time. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 29, 501-517.

Evaluation of Alkylamine Modified Pt Nanoparticles as Oxygen Reduction Reaction Electrocatalyst for Fuel Cells via Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy

Organically (octyl amine, OA) surface modified electrocatalyst (OA-Pt/CB) was studied for its oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity via dc methods and its charge and mass transfer properties were studied via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Comparison with a commercial catalyst (TEC10V30E) with similar Pt content was also carried out. In EIS, both the catalysts showed a single time-constant with an emerging high-frequency semicircle of very small diameter which was fitted using suitable equivalent circuits. The organically modified catalyst showed lower charge-transfer resistance and hence, low polarization resistance in high potential region as compared to the commercial catalyst. The dominance of kinetic processes was observed at 0.925-1.000 V, whereas domination of diffusion based processes was observed at lower potential region for the organic catalyst. No effect due to the presence of carbon was observed in the EIS spectra. Using the hydrodynamic method, higher current penetration depth was obtained for the organically modified catalyst at 1600 rpm. Exchange current density and Tafel slopes for both the electrocatalysts were calculated from the polarization resistance obtained from EIS which was in correlation with the results obtained from dc methods.

Sonoelectrochemical one-pot synthesis of Pt - Carbon black nanocomposite PEMFC electrocatalyst

Simultaneous electrocatalytic Pt-nanoparticle synthesis and decoration of Vulcan XC-72 carbon black substrate was achieved in a novel one-step-process, combining galvanostatic pulsed electrodeposition and pulsed ultrasonication with high power, low-frequency (20kHz) ultrasound. Aqueous chloroplatinic acid precursor baths, as well as carbon black suspensions in the former, were examined and decoration was proven by a combination of characterization methods, namely: dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with EDX-analysis and cyclic voltammetry. In particular, PVP was shown to have a beneficial stabilizing effect against free nanoparticle aggregation, ensuring narrow size distributions of the nanoparticles synthesized, but is also postulated to prevent the establishment of a strong metal-substrate interaction. Current pulse amplitude was identified as the most critical nanoparticle size-determining parameters, while only small size particles, under 10nm, appeared to be attached to carbon black.

Application-Specific Catalyst Layers: Pt-Containing Carbon Nanofibers for Hydrogen Peroxide Detection

Complete removal of metal catalyst particles from carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and other carbon nanostructures is extremely difficult, and the envisioned applications may be compromised by the left-over impurities. To circumvent these problems, one should use, wherever possible, such catalyst materials that are meant to remain in the structure and have some application-specific role, making any removal steps unnecessary. Thus, as a proof-of-concept, we present here a nanocarbon-based material platform for electrochemical hydrogen peroxide measurement utilizing a Pt catalyst layer to grow CNFs with intact Pt particles at the tips of the CNFs. Backed by careful scanning transmission electron microscopy analysis, we show that this material can be readily realized with the Pt catalyst layer thickness impacting the resulting structure and also present a growth model to explain the evolution of the different types of structures. In addition, we show by electrochemical analysis that the material exhibits characteristic features of Pt in cyclic voltammetry and it can detect very small amounts of hydrogen peroxide with very fast response times. Thus, the present sensor platform provides an interesting electrode material with potential for biomolecule detection and in fuel cells and batteries. In the wider range, we propose a new approach where the selection of catalytic particles used for carbon nanostructure growth is made so that (i) they do not need to be removed and (ii) they will have essential role in the final application.

Predicting Reaction Mechanisms and Potentials in Acid and Base from Self-Consistent Quantum Theory: H(ads) and OH(ads) Deposition on the Pt(111) Electrode

It has been shown recently that when reactants and products are well modeled within a comprehensive self-consistent theory for the electrochemical interface, accurate predictions are possible for reversible potentials, Urev, in acid electrolyte for reactions such as reduction of H(+)(aq) to form under potential deposited H(ads) and oxidation of an OH bond of H2O(ads) to deposit OH(ads). Predictions are based on calculated Gibbs energies for the reactant and product being equal at the reversible potential, which is the potential at the crossing point for reaction and product Gibbs energies, plotted as functions of electrode potential. In this Letter, it is demonstrated that the same capability holds for these reactions in basic electrolyte. This demonstration opens up the opportunity for predictions of reversible potentials and mechanisms for other electrocatalytic reactions in base.

Mechanisms of Enhanced Electrocatalytic Activity for Oxygen Reduction Reaction on High-Index Platinum n(111)-(111) Surfaces

Oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) on high-index planes of Pt n(111)-(111) were studied by density functional theory (DFT). The stepped surfaces, where n = 2, 3, and 4, showed that O2, O, and OH exhibited higher binding energies along the step compared to the terrace plane. The Pt atoms along the step can become distorted through the binding of the O and OH, where the shift in position of the Pt atoms is the largest along the stepped sites, hence forming stronger bonds with O atoms. One of the two O atoms produced from the bond dissociation of O2 will push the other one down a step with lower binding energies, consequently reducing the energy required for the protonation reaction (O + H(+) → OH, and OH + H(+) → H2O). The quicker recovery back to the clean Pt surface would therefore improve the catalytic properties of Pt nanoparticles, especially those with exposure to high-indexed facets.

Design of electrocatalysts for oxygen- and hydrogen-involving energy conversion reactions

A fundamental change has been achieved in understanding surface electrochemistry due to the profound knowledge of the nature of electrocatalytic processes accumulated over the past several decades and to the recent technological advances in spectroscopy and high resolution imaging. Nowadays one can preferably design electrocatalysts based on the deep theoretical knowledge of electronic structures, via computer-guided engineering of the surface and (electro)chemical properties of materials, followed by the synthesis of practical materials with high performance for specific reactions. This review provides insights into both theoretical and experimental electrochemistry toward a better understanding of a series of key clean energy conversion reactions including oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The emphasis of this review is on the origin of the electrocatalytic activity of nanostructured catalysts toward the aforementioned reactions by correlating the apparent electrode performance with their intrinsic electrochemical properties. Also, a rational design of electrocatalysts is proposed starting from the most fundamental aspects of the electronic structure engineering to a more practical level of nanotechnological fabrication.

Why Pt Survives but Pd Suffers From SOx Poisoning?

Pd is more prone to sulfation compared to Pt. Given the chemical similarity between Pt and Pd, the radical divide in their tendencies for sulfation remains a puzzle. We explain this intriguing difference using an extensive first-principles thermodynamics analysis and computed bulk and surface phase diagrams. In practically relevant temperatures and O2 and SO3 partial pressures, we find that Pt and Pd show significantly different tendencies for oxidation and sulfation. PdO formation is favored even at low oxygen chemical potential; however, PtO2 formation is not favorable in catalytically relevant conditions. Similarly, PdSO4, and adsorbed SO3 and oxygen species on clean and oxidized surfaces are highly favored, whereas PtSO4 formation does not occur at typical temperature and pressure conditions. Finally, several descriptors are identified that correlate to heightened sulfation tendencies, such as the critical O chemical potential for bulk oxide and surface oxide formation, chemical potentials O and SO3 for bulk sulfate formation, and SO3 binding strength on metal surface-oxide layers, which can be used to explore promising sulfur resistant catalysts.

Boosting performance of low temperature fuel cell catalysts by subtle ionic liquid modification

High cost and poor stability of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts are the major barriers for broad-based application of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. Here we report a facile and scalable approach to improve Pt/C catalysts for ORR, by modification with small amounts of hydrophobic ionic liquid (IL). The ORR performance of these IL-modified catalysts can be readily manipulated by varying the degree of IL filling, leading to a 3.4 times increase in activity. Besides, the IL-modified catalysts exhibit substantially enhanced stability relative to Pt/C. The enhanced performance is attributed to the optimized microenvironment at the interface of Pt and electrolyte, where advantages stemming from an increased number of free sites, higher oxygen concentration in the IL and electrostatic stabilization of the nanoparticles develop fully, at the same time that the drawback of mass transfer limitation remains suppressed. These findings open a new avenue for catalyst optimization for next-generation fuel cells.