Manipulating d‐band Center by Interface‐Induced Dislocation in Pt@PtCu Nanowires Boosting Oxygen Reduction

Abstract Engineering the electronic configuration and intermediates adsorption behaviors of Platinum‐based catalysts is crucial for improving oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics at the cathode in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), yet it remains an enormous challenge. Herein, an interface‐induced dislocation tactic through Pt/PtCu heterogeneous formation in Pt@PtCu nanowires composites (Pt@PtCu NWs) for efficient ORR is reported. Theoretical studies have proven that dislocation driven by a hybrid interface could alter electron redistribution and downshift the d‐band of Pt, thus facilitating the desorption of oxygen‐containing species and achieving outstanding ORR performance. Specifically, the as‐prepared Pt@PtCu NWs deliver exceptional ORR properties with a half‐wave of 0.940 V. Moreover, the mass activity (MA) of Pt@PtCu NWs reaches 1.17 A mg Pt −1 at 0.9 V, which is 4.18 and 10.64 times higher than that of Pt NWs (0.27 A mg Pt −1 ) and commercial Pt/C (0.11 A mg Pt −1 ). Most importantly, Pt@PtCu NWs also prove remarkable structural stability with only a 14.5% decrease in MA compared to a 58.9% decrease for Pt/C after the durability test. Overall, this strategy of d‐band center tuning induced by hybrid‐interface‐driven dislocation provides a promising avenue for designing high‐efficiency electrocatalysts.