Pt/N-rGO/Nb4N5 Electrocatalyst with Multilayered Structure and Ternary Synergy for Promoting Alcohol Oxidation

Abstract Pt based catalysts with multi-component is widely used to improve the electrocatalytic ability in alcohol oxidation, however, it is still big challenge to maximize the synergies of different component. Herein, Pt/N-rGO/Nb4N5 composites with multilayered structure were prepared, with nitrogen doped reduced graphene oxide (N-rGO) layer covered on Nb4N5 sheet and Pt nanoparticles selective loaded on the interface of Nb4N5 and N-rGO. Furthermore, N-rGO was confirmed to act as the connector between Pt and Nb4N5, ascribed to the Nb4N5–N-rGO-Pt bridge via N-doping of graphene and partial oxidation of Pt. By comparison, Pt/N-rGO/Nb4N5-10 composite showed the best distribution of N-doped rGO in the gap between Pt nanoparticles and Nb4Nb5 sheet, as the ratio of urea and NbCl5 was 10. Accordingly, Pt/N-rGO/Nb4N5-10 electrode exhibited the optimal catalytic activity and durability for multiple alcohol oxide in acid, such as methanol, ethanol, and ethylene glycol, since maximum ternary synergy was achieved by the stable multilayered structure, involving the highest ESCAs due to more exposed active sites of Pt nanoparticles, the best electrical conductivity ascribed to the incorporation of N-rGO, and excellent CO tolerance because of the efficient activation of water on Nb4N5 and N-rGO.