Effect of particle size on the electrocatalysis by carbon-supported Pt electrocatalysts: an in situ XAS investigation

Metal-Support Interaction between Titanium Oxynitride and Pt Nanoparticles Enables Efficient Low-Pt-Loaded High-Performance Electrodes at Relevant Oxygen Reduction Reaction Current Densities

In the present work, we report on a synergistic relationship between platinum nanoparticles and a titanium oxynitride support (TiOxNy/C) in the context of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysis. As demonstrated herein, this composite configuration results in significantly improved electrocatalytic activity toward the ORR relative to platinum dispersed on carbon support (Pt/C) at high overpotentials. Specifically, the ORR performance was assessed under an elevated mass transport regime using the modified floating electrode configuration, which enabled us to pursue the reaction closer to PEMFC-relevant current densities. A comprehensive investigation attributes the ORR performance increase to a strong interaction between platinum and the TiOxNy/C support. In particular, according to the generated strain maps obtained via scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), the Pt-TiOxNy/C analogue exhibits a more localized strain in Pt nanoparticles in comparison to that in the Pt/C sample. The altered Pt structure could explain the measured ORR activity trend via the d-band theory, which lowers the platinum surface coverage with ORR intermediates. In terms of the Pt particle size effect, our observation presents an anomaly as the Pt-TiOxNy/C analogue, despite having almost two times smaller nanoparticles (2.9 nm) compared to the Pt/C benchmark (4.8 nm), manifests higher specific activity. This provides a promising strategy to further lower the Pt loading and increase the ECSA without sacrificing the catalytic activity under fuel cell-relevant potentials. Apart from the ORR, the platinum-TiOxNy/C interaction is of a sufficient magnitude not to follow the typical particle size effect also in the context of other reactions such as CO stripping, hydrogen oxidation reaction, and water discharge. The trend for the latter is ascribed to the lower oxophilicity of Pt-based on electrochemical surface coverage analysis. Namely, a lower surface coverage with oxygenated species is found for the Pt-TiOxNy/C analogue. Further insights were provided by performing a detailed STEM characterization via the identical location mode (IL-STEM) in particular, via 4DSTEM acquisition. This disclosed that Pt particles are partially encapsulated within a thin layer of TiOxNy origin.

Two-stage confinement derived small-sized highly ordered L10-PtCoZn for effective oxygen reduction catalysis in PEM fuel cells

Intermetallic ordered PtCo is effective for high oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity and stability. However, preparing small-sized, highly ordered PtM alloys is still challenging. Herein, we report a controlled two-stage confinement strategy, in which highly ordered PtCoZn/NC nanoparticles of 5.3 nm size were prepared in a scalable process. The contradiction between the high ordering degree with the small particle size as well as the atomic migration with the space confinement was well resolved. An outstanding PEMFC performance was achieved for L10-PtCoZn/NC with a high mass activity (MA) of 1.21 A/mgPt at 0.9 ViR-free, 80.1 % MA retention after 30 k cycles in H2-O2 operation, and a high mass-specific power density of 8.24 W mg-1Pt in H2-Air operation with a slight loss of cell voltage@0.8 A cm-2 of 28 mV after 30 k cycles. The high performance can be ascribed to the high Pt area exposure, the enhanced Pt-Co coupling, and the prevented agglomeration in the mesoporous carbon wall. Overall, this strategy may contribute to the commercialization of fuel cells.

Trace Tungsten Microalloying PtCuCo Medium Entropy Alloys: Substructure Reconstruction-Triggered High-Performance for PEMFC

Refractory metals (W, Nb, or Mo) microalloying Pt-based alloys with unprecedented performance may serve as advanced electrocatalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). These alloys are endowed with unique stabilizing substructures or lattice defects through the microalloying effect. Herein, trace W microalloying PtCuCo medium entropy alloys (W-PtCuCo) are reported via a stepwise synthesis strategy, starting with home-made Cu nanowires as sacrificial templates by anhydrous solid-phase milling route, and then followed by galvanic replacement-assisted solvothermal in ethylene glycol (EG). In PEMFC tests, the obtained W-PtCuCo exhibits an ultrahigh peak power density and mass power density (relative to cathode) reaching 2.09 W cm-2 and 20.9 W mgPt -1 , respectively. During the accelerated degradation test (ADT), the mass activity just lost only 3% after 30 k cycles, much better than the above benchmark catalyst. The microalloying-dependent performances shall be attributed to the presence of abundant stepped surfaces, twisted edges, and other lattice defects terminated by W via substructure reconstruction that indeed alters the electronic structure and strain level of the alloys. This work first provides an atomic-level insight into the microalloying-dependent electrocatalytic performance of Pt-based alloys, which is of great significance for developing next-generation efficient catalysts for PEMFC.

In situ catalytic cells for x-ray absorption spectroscopy measurement

In catalysis, determining the relationship between the dynamic electronic and atomic structure of the catalysts and the catalytic performance under actual reaction conditions is essential to gain a deeper understanding of the reaction mechanism since the structure evolution induced by the absorption of reactants and intermediates affects the reaction activity. Hard x-ray spectroscopy methods are considered powerful and indispensable tools for the accurate identification of local structural changes, for which the development of suitable in situ reaction cells is required. However, the rational design and development of spectroscopic cells is challenging because a balance between real rigorous reaction conditions and a good signal-to-noise ratio must be reached. Here, we summarize the in situ cells currently used in the monitoring of thermocatalysis, photocatalysis, and electrocatalysis processes, focusing especially on the cells utilized in the BL14W1-x-ray absorption fine structure beamline at the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, and highlight recent endeavors on the acquisition of improved spectra under real reaction conditions. This review provides a full overview of the design of in situ cells, aiming to guide the further development of portable and promising cells. Finally, perspectives and crucial factors regarding in situ cells under industrial operating conditions are proposed.

Oxygen Evolution/Reduction Reaction Catalysts: From In Situ Monitoring and Reaction Mechanisms to Rational Design

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are core steps of various energy conversion and storage systems. However, their sluggish reaction kinetics, i.e., the demanding multielectron transfer processes, still render OER/ORR catalysts less efficient for practical applications. Moreover, the complexity of the catalyst-electrolyte interface makes a comprehensive understanding of the intrinsic OER/ORR mechanisms challenging. Fortunately, recent advances of in situ/operando characterization techniques have facilitated the kinetic monitoring of catalysts under reaction conditions. Here we provide selected highlights of recent in situ/operando mechanistic studies of OER/ORR catalysts with the main emphasis placed on heterogeneous systems (primarily discussing first-row transition metals which operate under basic conditions), followed by a brief outlook on molecular catalysts. Key sections in this review are focused on determination of the true active species, identification of the active sites, and monitoring of the reactive intermediates. For in-depth insights into the above factors, a short overview of the metrics for accurate characterizations of OER/ORR catalysts is provided. A combination of the obtained time-resolved reaction information and reliable activity data will then guide the rational design of new catalysts. Strategies such as optimizing the restructuring process as well as overcoming the adsorption-energy scaling relations will be discussed. Finally, pending current challenges and prospects toward the understanding and development of efficient heterogeneous catalysts and selected homogeneous catalysts are presented.

Functionalized Ag with Thiol Ligand to Promote Effective CO2 Electroreduction

It is challenging while critical to develop efficient catalysts that can achieve both high current density and high energy efficiency for electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction (CO₂R). Herein, we report a strategy of tailoring the surface electronic structure of an Ag catalyst via thiol ligand modification to improve its intrinsic activity, selectivity, and further energy efficiency toward CO₂R. Specifically, interconnected Ag nanoparticles with residual thiol ligands on the surface were prepared through electrochemical activation of a thiol-ligand-based Ag complex. When it was used as a catalyst for CO₂R, the thiol-ligand modified Ag exhibited high CO selectivity (>90%) throughout a wide electrode-potential range; furthermore, high cathodic energy efficiencies of >90% and >70% were obtained for CO formation at high current densities of 150 and 750 mA cm^-2, respectively, outperforming the state-of-the-art Ag-based electrocatalysts for CO₂ to CO conversion. The first-principle calculations on the reaction energetics suggest that the binding energies of the key intermediate -*COOH on Ag are optimized by the adsorbed thiol ligand, thus favoring CO formation while suppressing the competing H₂ evolution. Our findings provide a rational design strategy for CO₂ reduction electrocatalyst by electronic modulation through surface-adsorbed ligands.

Hydrogel Nanocomposite-Derived Nickel Nanoparticles/Porous Carbon Frameworks as Non-Precious and Effective Electrocatalysts for Methanol Oxidation

Innovative and facile methods for the preparation of metal nanoparticles (MNPs) with A highly uniform distribution and anchored on a unique substrate are receiving increasing interest for the development of efficient and low-cost catalysts in the field of alternative and sustainable energy technologies. In this study, we report a novel and facile metal-ions adsorption-pyrolysis method based on a hydrogel nanocomposite for the preparation of well-distributed nickel nanoparticles on 3D porous carbon frameworks (Ni@PCFs). The pyrolysis temperature effect on electrocatalytic activity toward methanol oxidation and catalyst stability was investigated. Physicochemical characterizations (SEM, TEM, and XRD) were used to determine the morphology and composition of the prepared electrocatalyst, which were then linked to their electrocatalytic activity. The experimental results indicate that the catalyst synthesized by pyrolysis at 800 °C (Ni@PCFs-8) exhibits the highest electrocatalytic activity for oxidation of methanol in alkaline media. Additionally, prepared Ni@PCFs-8 displays a remarkable increase in electrocatalytic activity after activation in 1 M KOH and excellent stability. The adsorption-pyrolysis pathway ensures that the Ni NPs are trapped in the PCFs, which can provide highly reactive surface sites. This work may provide a facile and effective strategy for preparing uniformly distributed metallic NPs on a 3D PCF substrate with high catalytic activity for energy applications.

X-ray compatible microfluidics for in situ studies of chemical state, transport and reaction of light elements in an aqueous environment using synchrotron radiation

This paper presents an X-ray compatible microfluidic platform for in situ characterization of chemical reactions at synchrotron light sources. We demonstrate easy to implement techniques to probe reacting solutions as they first come into contact, and study the very first milliseconds of their reaction in real-time through X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The devices use polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic channels sandwiched between ultrathin, X-ray transparent silicon nitride observation windows and rigid substrates. The new approach has three key advantages: i) owing to the assembly techniques employed, the devices are suitable for both high energy and tender (1-5 keV) X-rays; ii) they can operate in a vacuum environment (a must for low energy X-rays) and iii) they are robust enough to survive a full 8 hour shift of continuous scanning with a micro-focused beam, providing higher spatial and thus greater time resolution than previous studies. The combination of these opens new opportunities for in situ studies. This has so far not been possible with Kapton or glass-based flow cells due to increased attenuation of the low energy beam passing through these materials. The devices provide a well-defined mixing region to collect spatial maps of spatially stable concentration profiles, and XAS point spectra to elucidate the chemical structure and characterize the chemical reactions. The versatility of the approach is demonstrated through in situ XAS measurements on the mixing of two reactants in a microfluidic laminar flow device, as well as a segmented droplet based system for time resolved analysis.

Synthesis and Characterizations of PdNi Carbon Supported Nanomaterials: Studies of Electrocatalytic Activity for Oxygen Reduction in Alkaline Medium

Electrocatalytic materials offer numerous benefits due to their wide range of applications. In this study, a polyol technique was used to synthesize PdNi nanoparticles (NPs) with different percent atomic compositions (Pd = 50 to 90%) to explore their catalytic efficiency. The produced nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electrochemical investigations. According to XRD measurements, the synthesized NPs were crystalline in nature, with crystallite sizes of about 2 nm. The electrochemical properties of the synthesized NPs were studied in alkaline solution through a rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE) technique of cyclic voltammetry. The PdNi nanoparticles supported on carbon (PdNi/C) were used as electrocatalysts and their activity and stability were compared with the homemade Pd/C and Pt/C. In alkaline solution, PdNi/C electrocatalysts showed improved oxygen reduction catalytic activity over benchmark Pd/C and Pt/C electrocatalysts in all composition ratios. Furthermore, stability experiments revealed that PdNi 50:50 is more stable in alkaline solution than pure Pd and other PdNi compositions.

Effect of CeO2 Presence on the Electronic Structure and the Activity for Ethanol Oxidation of Carbon Supported Pt

Pt/CeO2/C electrocatalysts in different compositions were prepared and their structural characteristics and activities for ethanol oxidation in alkaline media were evaluated. In the presence of CeO2, an increase in the platinum particle size was observed. XANES measurements indicated that the Pt d-band vacancies increased with increasing CeO2 amounts. For the first time, the decrease in electro activity was described to an electronic effect for high CeO2 contents. The dependence of the activity for ethanol oxidation on CeO2 content went to a maximum, due to the counteracting bifunctional and electronic effects of the metal oxide.

Enhancement of Catalytic Activity and Durability of Pt Nanoparticle through Strong Chemical Interaction with Electrically Conductive Support of Magnéli Phase Titanium Oxide

In this study, we address the catalytic performance of variously sized Pt nanoparticles (NPs) (from 1.7 to 2.9 nm) supported on magnéli phase titanium oxide (MPTO, Ti₄O₇) along with commercial solid type carbon (VXC-72R) for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Key idea is to utilize a robust and electrically conductive MPTO as a support material so that we employed it to improve the catalytic activity and durability through the strong metal-support interaction (SMSI). Furthermore, we increase the specific surface area of MPTO up to 61.6 m² g⁻¹ to enhance the SMSI effect between Pt NP and MPTO. After the deposition of a range of Pt NPs on the support materials, we investigate the ORR activity and durability using a rotating disk electrode (RDE) technique in acid media. As a result of accelerated stress test (AST) for 30k cycles, regardless of the Pt particle size, we confirmed that Pt/MPTO samples show a lower electrochemical surface area (ECSA) loss (<20%) than that of Pt/C (~40%). That is explained by the increased dissolution potential and binding energy of Pt on MPTO against to carbon, which is supported by the density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Based on these results, we found that conductive metal oxides could be an alternative as a support material for the long-term fuel cell operation.

In Situ/Operando Electrocatalyst Characterization by X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy

During the last decades, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) has become an indispensable method for probing the structure and composition of heterogeneous catalysts, revealing the nature of the active sites and establishing links between structural motifs in a catalyst, local electronic structure, and catalytic properties. Here we discuss the fundamental principles of the XAS method and describe the progress in the instrumentation and data analysis approaches undertaken for deciphering X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra. Recent usages of XAS in the field of heterogeneous catalysis, with emphasis on examples concerning electrocatalysis, will be presented. The latter is a rapidly developing field with immense industrial applications but also unique challenges in terms of the experimental characterization restrictions and advanced modeling approaches required. This review will highlight the new insight that can be gained with XAS on complex real-world electrocatalysts including their working mechanisms and the dynamic processes taking place in the course of a chemical reaction. More specifically, we will discuss applications of in situ and operando XAS to probe the catalyst's interactions with the environment (support, electrolyte, ligands, adsorbates, reaction products, and intermediates) and its structural, chemical, and electronic transformations as it adapts to the reaction conditions.

Bridging the Gap in the Mechanistic Understanding of Electrocatalysis via In Situ Characterizations

Electrocatalysis offers a promising strategy to take advantage of the increasingly available and affordable renewable energy for the sustainable production of fuels and chemicals. Attaining this promise requires a molecular level insight of the electrical interface that can be used to tailor the selectivity of electrocatalysts. Addressing this selectivity challenge remains one of the most important areas in modern electrocatalytic research. In this Perspective, we focus on the use of in situ techniques to bridge the gap in the fundamental understanding of electrocatalytic processes. We begin with a brief discussion of traditional electrochemical techniques, ex situ measurements and in silico analysis. Subsequently, we discuss the utility and limitations of in situ methodologies, with a focus on vibrational spectroscopies. We then end by looking ahead toward promising new areas for the application of in situ techniques and improvements to current methods.

Hexagonal Boron Nitride as a Multifunctional Support for Engineering Efficient Electrocatalysts toward the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Developing heterostructures with well-defined interfaces is attracting ever-increasing interest toward the development of advanced electrocatalysts. Herein, hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanosheets are reported as a multifunctional support for constructing efficient electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). h-BN/Pd heterostructured electrocatalysts with decent activity and long-term durability are designed and synthesized by confining Pd nanoparticles (NPs) on ultrathin h-BN nanosheets. The robust h-BN serves as a durable platform to maintain the structural integrity of the heterostructured catalysts. Both experimental findings and theoretical calculations reveal that the strong interaction between h-BN and Pd downshifts the Pd d-band center and hence optimizes the affinity with the reaction intermediates. Meanwhile, h-BN also endows the heterostructured catalysts with superhydrophobic surfaces, promoting the diffusion kinetics of O₂. These findings open a new avenue for the rational design and development of heterostructured catalysts by interface engineering toward electrocatalysis applications.

3D PtAu nanoframe superstructure as a high-performance carbon-free electrocatalyst

In this work, we demonstrate how to synthesize a three-dimensional (3D) ordered PtAu nanoframe superstructure and evaluated its performance as an electrocatalyst. Compared to carbon supported platinum (Pt) nanocrystal electrocatalysts (wherein the aggregation- and carbon corrosion-induced fast degradation is a well-known drawback), the 3D PtAu nanoframe superstructure is free from aggregation and carbon corrosion. The 3D superstructure was self-assembled via drop-casting and evaporation using truncated octahedral PtAu nanoframes (TOh PtAu NFs) as building blocks that were produced by controlled wet-chemical etching of a TOh Au core whose edges and vertexes were selectively deposited with Pt atoms. Density functional theory calculations revealed that the surface alloy state of PtAu gave rise to an enhanced catalytic activity compared to pure Pt. Experimental investigations showed that such 3D superstructure electrocatalysts exhibited excellent mass transfer efficiency, higher catalytic activity and stability towards the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) compared to a commercial Pt/C catalyst. The demonstrated 3D nanoframe superstructure shows great potential for practical catalytic application due to its high structural stability, high catalytic activity, high surface area and ease of fabrication.

Copper nanoparticle interspersed MoS2 nanoflowers with enhanced efficiency for CO2 electrochemical reduction to fuel

Electrocatalytic conversion of carbon dioxide (CO₂) has been considered as an ideal method to simultaneously solve the energy crisis and environmental issue around the world. In this work, ultrasmall Cu nanoparticle interspersed flower-like MoS₂ was successfully fabricated via a facile microwave hydrothermal method. The designed optimal hierarchical Cu/MoS₂ composite not only exhibited remarkably enhanced electronic conductivity and specific surface area but also possessed improved CO₂ adsorption capacity, resulting in a significant increase in overall faradaic efficiency and a 7-fold augmentation of the faradaic efficiency of CH₄ in comparison with bare MoS₂. In addition, the Cu/MoS₂ composite had superior stability with high efficiency retained for 48 h in the electrochemical process. It is anticipated that the designed Cu/MoS₂ composite electrocatalyst may provide new insights for transition metal sulfides and non-noble particles applied to CO₂ reduction.

Size- and Density-Controllable Fabrication of the Platinum Nanoparticle/ITO Electrode by Pulse Potential Electrodeposition for Ammonia Oxidation

Pulse potential electrodeposition was successfully utilized to electrochemically fabricate platinum (Pt) nanoparticles on indium tin oxide (ITO) conductive glass substrates for catalysis toward ammonia electro-oxidation. The effect of deposition parameters (lower potential E_l, lower potential duration t_l, and upper potential duration t_u) on the size and number density of Pt nanoparticles was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The electrocatalytic activity of the Pt nanoparticle/ITO electrode for ammonia oxidation was characterized by the cyclic voltammetry (CV) method. The results showed that lower E_l and longer t_l accelerate the formation of Pt nuclei while longer t_u favors the growth of grain size to some extent, as E_l mainly tunes electrochemical overpotential while t_l and t_u affect the activation and mass transfer process. By the tuning of the deposition parameters, Pt nanoparticle/ITO electrodes with a polycrystalline nature and 5 nm-scale primary particles, could be easily modified in Pt particle size and number density. Furthermore, the Pt nanoparticle/ITO electrode shows high mass specific catalytic activity (MA) toward ammonia oxidation (1.65 mC μg^-1), much higher than that of the commercial Pt/C electrode (0.32 mC μg^-1). Additionally, the high catalytic performance results not only from the nanosize effect of Pt nanoparticles, but also from the special morphology formed during the electrodeposition process.

Strong metal-support interaction between Pt and SiO2 following high-temperature reduction: a catalytic interface for propane dehydrogenation

Pt/SiO₂ directly reduced in H₂ at 1073 K exhibited a high catalytic activity in propane dehydrogenation, primarily attributed to the electronic modification of Pt nanoparticles by the SMSI effect.

The influence of deposited potential on the ORR activity of Pt catalysts on glassy carbon electrode

Herein, we have demonstrated how different deposited potential scan affect the ORR activity of Pt catalysts on glassy carbon electrode (Pt/GC).

Bromomethane Contamination in the Cathode of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

The effects of bromomethane (BrCH₃), an airborne contaminant, on the performance of a single PEMFC are compared with that of another halocarbon, chlorobenzene. Under a constant current of 1 A cm^-2 and at 45 °C, 20 ppm bromomethane causes approximately 30% cell voltage loss in approximately 30 h, as opposed to much more rapid performance degradation observed with chlorobenzene. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, linear scanning voltammetry, and polarization measurements are applied to characterize the temporary electrochemical reaction effect and permanent performance effects. X-ray absorption spectroscopy is used to confirm that Br is adsorbed on the Pt electrocatalyst surface. We conclude that airborne bromomethane poisons a PEMFC in a different way from chlorobenzene because it is largely hydrolyzed to bromide, Br^-, which is then excluded from the Pt catalyst by the negatively charged Nafion ionomer. The little Br^- and bromomethane that adsorbs on the Pt surface can be partially removed by cycling but causes some irreversible surface area loss.

Correlation between diffusion barriers and alloying energy in binary alloys

In this paper, we explore the notion that a negative alloying energy may act as a descriptor for long term stability of Pt-alloys as cathode catalysts in low temperature fuel cells.

Mechanistic aspects of hydrazine-induced Pt colloid instability and monitoring aggregation kinetics with nanoparticle impact electroanalysis

Here we investigate the mechanistic aspects of Pt nanoparticle (NP) aggregation in solutions typically used for detecting NP/electrode impacts by electrocatalytic amplification (ECA). We previously proposed a general mechanism for Pt colloid destabilization that involved the participation of both the hydrazine redox probe and the pH buffer species as coagulants. Herein the Pt NP coagulation and aggregation mechanisms were further investigated with microscopic kinetic NP concentration monitoring and zeta potential measurements using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), as well as open circuit potential experiments with a citrate-treated polycrystalline Pt surface to assess electrical double layer potential. After considering the combined results of these experiments we propose that the colloidal stability of citrate-capped platinum nanoparticles involves much more than the typical physicochemical interactions predicted by DLVO theory. A structure based on intermolecular H-bonding in the citrate capping layer is the most plausible explanation for the exceptional stability of large Pt NPs in high ionic strength buffers. Thus, the mechanism of Pt NP aggregation includes specific reactive contributions from hydrazine. The catalytic decomposition of hydrazine, in particular, is thought to occur to some extent at the citrate-coated Pt surface while the citrate remains adsorbed. Evolved gases such as ammonia and possible surface bound intermediates from Pt-catalyzed decomposition of hydrazine may disrupt the stability of the citrate layer, causing colloidal instability and thus promoting Pt NP coagulation. In the closing section, we demonstrate nanoparticle impact electroanalysis by ECA detection as a method to quantify Pt NP concentration with adequate time resolution for monitoring the kinetics of Pt NP coagulation.

Activity descriptor identification for oxygen reduction on platinum-based bimetallic nanoparticles: in situ observation of the linear composition-strain-activity relationship

Despite recent progress in developing active and durable oxygen reduction catalysts with reduced Pt content, lack of elegant bottom-up synthesis procedures with knowledge over the control of atomic arrangement and morphology of the Pt-alloy catalysts still hinders fuel cell commercialization. To follow a less empirical synthesis path for improved Pt-based catalysts, it is essential to correlate catalytic performance to properties that can be easily controlled and measured experimentally. Herein, using Pt-Co alloy nanoparticles (NPs) with varying atomic composition as an example, we show that the atomic distribution of Pt-based bimetallic NPs under operating conditions is strongly dependent on the initial atomic ratio by employing microscopic and in situ spectroscopic techniques. The PtxCo/C NPs with high Co content possess a Co concentration gradient such that Co is concentrated in the core and gradually depletes in the near-surface region, whereas the PtxCo/C NPs with low Co content possess a relatively uniform distribution of Co with low Co population in the near-surface region. Despite their different atomic structure, the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity of PtxCo/C and Pt/C NPs is linearly related to the bulk average Pt-Pt bond length (RPt-Pt). The RPt-Pt is further shown to contract linearly with the increase in Co/Pt composition. These linear correlations together demonstrate that (i) the improved ORR activity of PtxCo/C NPs over pure Pt NPs originates predominantly from the compressive strain and (ii) the RPt-Pt is a valid strain descriptor that bridges the activity and atomic composition of Pt-based bimetallic NPs.

Improved Oxygen Reduction Activity and Durability of Dealloyed PtCo x Catalysts for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: Strain, Ligand, and Particle Size Effects

The development of active and durable catalysts with reduced platinum content is essential for fuel cell commercialization. Herein we report that the dealloyed PtCo/HSC and PtCo3/HSC nanoparticle (NP) catalysts exhibit the same levels of enhancement in oxygen reduction activity (~4-fold) and durability over pure Pt/C NPs. Surprisingly, ex situ high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF STEM) shows that the bulk morphologies of the two catalysts are distinctly different: D-PtCo/HSC catalyst is dominated by NPs with solid Pt shells surrounding a single ordered PtCo core; however, the D-PtCo3/HSC catalyst is dominated by NPs with porous Pt shells surrounding multiple disordered PtCo cores with local concentration of Co. In situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) reveals that these two catalysts possess similar Pt-Pt and Pt-Co bond distances and Pt coordination numbers (CNs), despite their dissimilar morphologies. The similar activity of the two catalysts is thus ascribed to their comparable strain, ligand, and particle size effects. Ex situ XAS performed on D-PtCo3/HSC under different voltage cycling stage shows that the continuous dissolution of Co leaves behind the NPs with a Pt-like structure after 30k cycles. The attenuated strain and/or ligand effects caused by Co dissolution are presumably counterbalanced by the particle size effects with particle growth, which likely accounts for the constant specific activity of the catalysts along with voltage cycling.

Structural and electronic properties of the Pt(n)-PAH complex (n = 1, 2) from density functional calculations

A detailed density functional study of the Pt atom and the Pt dimer adsorption on a polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) is presented. The preferred adsorption site for a Pt atom is confirmed to be the bridge site. Upon adsorption of a single Pt atom, however, it is found here that the electronic ground state changes from the triplet state (5d(9)6s(1) configuration) to the closed-shell singlet state (5d(10)6s(0) configuration), which consequently will affect the catalytic activity of Pt when single Pt atoms bind to a carbon surface. The preferred adsorption site for the Pt dimer in the upright configuration is the hollow site. In contrast to the adsorption of a single Pt atom, the formation of a Pt-C bond in the adsorption of a Pt dimer is not accompanied by a change in the spin state, so the most stable electronic state is still the triplet state. While the atomic charge on the Pt atoms and dimers (in parallel configuration) in the Ptn-PAH complex is positive, a negative charge is found on the upper Pt atom for the upright configuration, indicating that single layers of Pt atoms will have a different catalytic activity as compared to Pt clusters on a carbon surface. Comparing the Pt-C bond length and the charge transfer on different sites, the magnitude of the charge transfer decreases with bond elongation, indicating that the catalytic activity of the Pt atom and dimer can be changed by modifying its chemical surroundings. The adsorption energy for the Pt dimer on a PAH surface is larger than that for two individual Pt atoms on the surface indicating that aggregation of Pt atoms on the PAH surface is favorable.

Toward new fuel cell support materials: a theoretical and experimental study of nitrogen-doped graphene

Nano-scale Pt particles are often reported to be more electrochemically active and stable in a fuel cell if properly displaced on support materials; however, the factors that affect their activity and stability are not well understood. We applied first-principles calculations and experimental measurements to well-defined model systems of N-doped graphene supports (N-GNS) to reveal the fundamental mechanisms that control the catalytic properties and structural integrity of nano-scale Pt particles. DFT calculations predict thermodynamic and electrochemical interactions between N-GNS and Pt nanoparticles in the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Moreover, the dissolution potentials of the Pt nanoparticles supported on GNS and N-GNS catalysts are calculated under acidic conditions. Our results provide insight into the design of new support materials for enhanced catalytic efficiency and long-term stability.