Spiny Pd/PtFe core/shell nanotubes with rich high-index facets for efficient electrocatalysis

The performance of fuel-cell related electrocatalysis is highly dependent on the morphology, size and composition of a given catalyst. In terms of rational design of Pt-based catalyst, one-dimensional (1D) ultrafine Pt alloy nanowires (NWs) are considered as a commendable model for enhanced catalysis on account of their favorable mass/charge transfer and structural durability. However, in order to achieve the noble metal catalysts in higher efficiency and lower cost, building high-index facets and shaping hollow interiors should be integrated into 1D Pt alloy NWs, which has rarely been done so far. Here, we report the first synthesis of a class of spiny Pd/PtFe core/shell nanotubes (SPCNTs) constructed by cultivating PtFe alloy branches with rich high-index facets along the 1D removable Pd supports, which is driven by the galvanic dissolution of Pd substrates concomitant with Stranski-Krastanov (S-K) growth of Pt and Fe, for achieving highly efficient fuel-cells-related electrocatalysis. This new catalyst can even deliver electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) of 62.7 m(2) g(p)(t)(1), comparable to that of commercial carbonsupported Pt nanoparticles. With respect to oxygen reduction catalysis, the SPCNTs showcase the remarkable mass and specific activity of 2.71 A mg(-1) and 4.32 mA cm(-2), 15.9 and 16.0 times higher than those of commercial Pt/C, respectively. Also, the catalysts exhibit extraordinary resistance to the activity decay and structural degradation during 50,000 potential cycles. Moreover, the SPCNTs serve as a category of efficient and stable catalysts towards anodic alcohol oxidation. (C) 2020 Science China Press. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Automated summary

The performance of fuel-cell related electrocatalysis heavily depends on the morphology, size and composition of the catalyst. The synthesis of Pt-based catalyst with high-index facets and hollow interiors can significantly enhance catalysis efficiency. The new catalyst, spiny Pd/PtFe core/shell nanotubes, demonstrates remarkable activity and stability in fuel-cell and alcohol oxidation reactions.