Arranging Electronic Localization of PtCu Nanoalloys to Stimulate Improved Oxygen Electroreduction for High-Performance Fuel Cells

Open AccessCCS ChemistryRESEARCH ARTICLES25 Dec 2022Arranging Electronic Localization of PtCu Nanoalloys to Stimulate Improved Oxygen Electroreduction for High-Performance Fuel Cells Bing Wu, Jiayong Xiao, Longbin Li, Ting Hu, Ming Qiu, Dirk Lützenkirchen-Hecht, Kai Yuan and Yiwang Chen Bing Wu , Jiayong Xiao , Longbin Li , Ting Hu , Ming Qiu , Dirk Lützenkirchen-Hecht , Kai Yuan and Yiwang Chen https://doi.org/10.31635/ccschem.022.202202552 SectionsSupplemental MaterialAboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail Developing exceptionally durable and efficient oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts is of paramount importance but still challenging for widespread commercialization of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Herein, PtCu nanoalloys rooted on nitrogen-doped carbon nanosheets (PtCuNC-700) with fully exposed PtCu nanoalloys and strong metal-support interaction were developed. Benefiting from the structural and compositional merits, PtCuNC-700 showcases superior ORR activity and stability with a specific activity of 1.05 mA cm−2 and mass activity of 0.45 A mgPt−1, representing 4.2 and 3.7 folds higher than Pt/C(0.25 mA cm−2 and 0.12 A mgPt−1), respectively. Moreover, PtCuNC-700 manifests first-class performance in H2/air PEMFC assessment, delivers a peak power density of 929.7 mW cm−2 and excellent cycling stability upto 30,000 cycles. Theoretical calculations disclose that the synergistic effect of alloying Pt with Cu combined with the strong interaction between PtCu nanoalloys and nitrogen-doped carbon nanosheet can effectively modify the local electron configuration and density of states of Pt sites nearby the Fermi level. Hence, the PtCu-alloy catalysts realized here diminishes the energy barrier for ORR and accelerates reaction kinetics. This work provides a reliable and effective approach to boost the activity and stability of Pt alloy-based ORR electrocatalysts in PEMFCs. Download figure Download PowerPoint Previous articleNext article FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Issue AssignmentVolume 0Issue jaPage: 1-29Supporting Information Copyright & Permissions© 2022 Chinese Chemical Society Downloaded 70 times PDF downloadLoading ...