Ultralow Pt loading nanoporous Au-Cu-Pt thin film as highly active and durable catalyst for formic acid oxidation

Abstract Ultralow Pt loading tri-metallic nanoporous (np) Au-Cu-Pt catalysts for formic acid oxidation (FAO) have been synthesized by electrodeposition of Au0.27Cu0.70Pt0.03 alloy thin film, followed by dealloying for oxidative Cu removal. Underpotential deposition and CO stripping are used for measuring the electrochemical active surface (overall and Pt fraction) of synthesized catalysts and SEM is performed for characterization of their morphology. Also, EDS and inductive coupled plasma are used for compositional analysis. Potential cycling FAO tests show excellent performance of these catalysts manifested by up to 250(mgPt) and 17(mgPt+Au) times higher mass activity (at 0.0V/MSE) than commercial Pt/C(40%) nanoparticulate counterparts. This is accompanied by remarkable durability in both cycling and constant potential tests. A no-hysteresis voltammetry for 55 cycles of synthesized np Au-Cu-Pt catalysts demonstrates unseen to date resistance to anodic passivation along with outstanding CO-poisoning tolerance. A combination of electronic, ensemble, and synergistic effects is believed to enable catalysts’ outstanding performance.