Electron-rich platinum electrocatalysts supported onto tin oxides for efficient oxygen reduction

Developing high-performance electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is of significance for metal-air batteries and fuel cells. The platinum (Pt) catalyst is considered as the most ideal candidate for its highest catalytic activity towards ORR. However, the practical application of Pt catalyst is impeded for its high cost and poor catalytic stability. Here, we seek to use the SnO2 support to modify the electronic structures of Pt catalyst to boost its catalytic activity and durability. We synthesized Pt/SnO2 heterojunction catalyst with Pt nanoparticles anchored on SnO2 supports, which has the similar morphology to commercial Pt/C with Pt nanoparticles anchored on carbon supports. By means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, we find that the electron density of the Pt nanoparticles supported on SnO2 is increased, while no such features are found in the Pt/C catalyst. Comparing with the Pt/C catalyst, the Pt/SnO2 catalyst exhibits higher activity and better durability for ORR catalysis, which can be ascribed to the strong metal-support interactions between Pt nanoparticles and SnO2 supports.

Automated summary

Implementing SnO2 supports to modify the electronic structures of Pt catalyst, we synthesized Pt/SnO2 heterojunction catalyst with enhanced activity and durability for ORR catalysis, attributed to strong metal-support interactions.