AuPt Nanoparticles/ Multi-Walled carbon nanotubes catalyst as high active and stable oxygen reduction catalyst for Al-Air batteries

A series of AuPt nanoparticles supported on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (AuxPt/MWNTs) catalysts with ultrafine distribution (d ≈ 3.0 nm) were synthesized for Al-air battery cathode to enhance the oxygen reduction reaction. Among them, Au0.67Pt/MWNTs catalyst with metal loading of 10.2 wt% (Au:4.1 wt%, Pt:6.1 wt%) exhibited a superior ORR catalytic activity and competitive durability to 20 wt% Pt/C catalyst. When applied as Al-air battery, appropriate increasing Au loading encourage better battery performance. Au1.68Pt/MWNTs with 8.95 wt% of Au and as little as 5.3 wt% Pt content exhibit larger specific capacity (921 mAh g−1) and power density (146.8 mW cm−2) as well as better durability than 20 wt% Pt/C catalyst when it is assembled as cathode in Al-air battery.