Local tetragonal distortion of Pt alloy catalysts for enhanced oxygen reduction reaction efficiency
Xiaoke Li,
Xiao Duan,
Kang Hua,
Yongkang Wu,
Zhiyan Rui,
Rui Ding,
Aidong Li,
Chen Ouyang,
Jia Li,
Ting Li,
Jianguo Liu
Affiliations
Xiaoke Li
National Laboratory of Solid‐State Microstructures, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures Nanjing University Nanjing China
Xiao Duan
National Laboratory of Solid‐State Microstructures, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures Nanjing University Nanjing China
Kang Hua
National Laboratory of Solid‐State Microstructures, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures Nanjing University Nanjing China
Yongkang Wu
National Laboratory of Solid‐State Microstructures, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures Nanjing University Nanjing China
Zhiyan Rui
National Laboratory of Solid‐State Microstructures, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures Nanjing University Nanjing China
Rui Ding
National Laboratory of Solid‐State Microstructures, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures Nanjing University Nanjing China
Aidong Li
National Laboratory of Solid‐State Microstructures, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures Nanjing University Nanjing China
Chen Ouyang
Long‐Life Fuel Cell Key Laboratory in Sichuan Province Dongfang Electric (Chengdu) Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology Co., Ltd. Chengdu China
Jia Li
Institute of Energy Power Innovation North China Electric Power University Beijing China
Ting Li
Long‐Life Fuel Cell Key Laboratory in Sichuan Province Dongfang Electric (Chengdu) Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology Co., Ltd. Chengdu China
Jianguo Liu
Institute of Energy Power Innovation North China Electric Power University Beijing China
Abstract Platinum‐based alloy nanoparticles are the most attractive catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction at present, but an in‐depth understanding of the relationship between their short‐range structural information and catalytic performance is still lacking. Herein, we present a synthetic strategy that uses transition‐metal oxide‐assisted thermal diffusion. PtCo/C catalysts with localized tetragonal distortion were obtained by controlling the thermal diffusion process of transition‐metal elements. This localized structural distortion induced a significant strain effect on the nanoparticle surface, which further shortened the length of the Pt–Pt bond, improved the electronic state of the Pt surface, and enhanced the performance of the catalyst. PtCo/C catalysts with special short‐range structures achieved excellent mass activity (2.27 A mgPt−1) and specific activity (3.34 A cm−2). In addition, the localized tetragonal distortion‐induced surface compression of the Pt skin improved the stability of the catalyst. The mass activity decreased by only 13% after 30,000 cycles. Enhanced catalyst activity and excellent durability have also been demonstrated in the proton exchange membrane fuel cell configuration. This study provides valuable insights into the development of advanced Pt‐based nanocatalysts and paves the way for reducing noble‐metal loading and increasing the catalytic activity and catalyst stability.
