Facile synthesis of bimetallic Pt-Pd symmetry-broken concave nanocubes and their enhanced activity toward oxygen reduction reaction

In the present work, we are reporting a facile one-pot synthesis route to get Pt-Pd symmetry-broken concave nanocube (SBCNCs) structures in N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) solutions under the effect of iodide ions and Poly (vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP). By given the inhibiting effect of non-stirring during the reaction process, and the capping agent effect, newly formed atoms is expected to accumulate at the vertexes and/or the edges of nanocube, leading to the formation the Pt-Pd SBCNCs. These structures are in a thorough manner physicochemically and electrochemically characterized. It is found that the specific structure of Pt-Pd SBCNCs is composed of various high-index facets and Pt-rich surface. These features enable a superior performance for the oxygen reduction reaction, and the specific/mass activities of the Pt-Pd SBCNCs are 7.7/6.2 times higher than commercial TKK-Pt/C, respectively, It also exhibits a remarkable durability by only reduced 30 mV half-wave potential after 15,000 accelerated durability test (ADT) cycles. This work provides an effective and simple strategy to rationally design electrocatalysts with enhanced activity and durability toward oxygen reduction reaction or other practical applications.