Simple synthesis of ordered platinum-gold nanoparticles with the enhanced catalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction

Pt-Au nanoparticles supported on carbon black (PtAu/CBx) are produced by a facile chemical reduction method and subsequent heat treatment In this paper, the effects of heat treatment temperature on structure and electrochemical properties are investigated. A series of catalysts, including PtAu/CB, PtAu/CB400 and PtAu/CB600, with different particle size are synthesized. The particle size of PtAu/CB600 is slightly larger than that of PtAu/CB400 and PtAu/CB, but the electrochemical performance of PtAu/CB600 is the best due to more active sites available in PtAu/CB600. Moreover, the durability of PtAu/CB600 and commercial Pt/C is researched in acidic media. After 5000 cycles accelerated durability test, it can be seen from CV and LSV that PtAu/CB600 shows better stability. Therefore, the better activity and stability of PtAu/CB600 can be ascribed to the ordered structure and the synergistic effect of Pt and Au. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.