Influence of the Carbon Support on the Properties of Platinum- Yttrium Nanoalloys for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Electrocatalysts of high mass activity, high electrochemical surface area, and long-term stability are required for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode of fuel cells. Here, Pt-Y nanoalloys were produced by a solid-state approach on the most frequently used commercially available carbon supports, i.e., Vulcan XC-72, Ketjenblack EC-300J, and Ketjenblack EC-600JD. The prepared electrocatalysts were characterized and evaluated toward the ORR in acidic medium. Our results reveal that the nature of the carbon support influences the crystalline phase of the Pt-Y nanoalloy that forms on it as well as its particle size and nearsurface chemistry. Using Ketjenblack EC-300 J produced mainly Pt3Y alloy nanoparticles of size ca. 5 nm. This carbon support effect was correlated to the activity/stability toward the ORR of the prepared nanoalloys. Our contribution provides insights for the optimal design of highly active/durable carbon-supported Pt-Y nanostructured electrocatalysts for fuel cells.

Automated summary

In this study, Pt-Y nanoalloys were prepared using different carbon supports by solid-state reaction, and their performance in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in acidic medium was evaluated. The results showed that the nature of the carbon support influenced the crystalline phase, particle size, and nearsurface chemistry of the nanoalloy, which in turn affected its activity and stability.