Effect of Heat Treatment on the Structure and Functional Characteristics of the PtCo/C Catalyst

The PtCo/C electrocatalyst, prepared by simultaneous reduction of metal precursors using sodium borohydride, was treated at 350°C in an argon atmosphere for 1 h. The results of XRD analysis and transmission electron microscopy indicate that the average crystallite size increased and nanoparticle agglomerates formed after heat treatment. The shift of the Pt(111) reflection after treatment suggests possible segregation of metal components during the heating of the sample. The catalyst activity (both mass and specific surface activity) increased after heat treatment. According to the results of the stress test at potentials of 0.6–1.4 V, the residual activity of the sample after heat treatment was higher than in the “as received” state.