Self-Supported Pt-Based Intermetallic Nanocatalysts for Mulfunctional Electrocatalysis

Abstract

Development of highly active and durable electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is of pivotal importance for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). While carbon-supported nanostructured Pt-based catalysts have demonstrated high activity for the ORR, their durability and single-cell performance are yet to be improved. In this talk, we present self-supported, Pt-based intermetallic (Pt＆ndash;M; M=Ni, Co, Fe, Cu) nanocatalysts, based on nanoporous and nanowire structures, as highly active and durable ORR catalysts. Nanostructured Pt＆ndash;M intermetallic nanocatalysts showed enhanced ORR activity, compared to Pt black, Pt/C, and alloy Pt＆ndash;M catalysts. Significantly, Pt＆ndash;M intemetallic nanocatalysts exhibited ultrahigh durability, with no decay of activity even after 50,000 potential cycles, whereas Pt black and Pt/C undergo dramatic degradation. Some of Pt＆ndash;M intermetallic nanocatalysts demonstrated PEMFC single cell performances with very high durability.