The electrochemical activation mode as a way to exceptional ORR performance of nanostructured PtCu/C materials

The nanostructured PtCux/C catalysts with an average nanoparticle size of 3-5 nm, which significantly surpass in activity the commercial Pt/C analog in the oxygen electroreduction reaction (ORR), were obtained by the chemical reduction. A detailed analysis of the activation potentials range effect on the catalysts electrochemical performance in particular, on the microstructure of bimetallic catalysts with small nanoparticles, has been carried out. The upper potential limit, which limited the range of the electrode activation potentials, had a significant effect on the PtCu/C catalysts mass activity and specific activity in the ORR, but does not affect to the electrochemically surface area and materials compositions. Thus, an important phenomenon has been noted in which materials with the same composition differ significantly in their functional characteristics in the ORR, depending on the electrochemical activation conditions. Original approach to electrochemical study is presented, which helps to understand the effect of the activation potentials range on the surface layers reorganization of bimetallic nanoparticles in catalysts.

Automated summary

The nanostructured PtCux/C catalysts with an average nanoparticle size of 3-5 nm, obtained by chemical reduction, show higher activity in the oxygen electroreduction reaction (ORR) compared to commercial Pt/C analogs. The upper potential limit, which limits the range of activation potentials, significantly affects the mass activity and specific activity of PtCu/C catalysts in ORR, while not affecting the electrochemically surface area and materials compositions. It is observed that materials with the same composition can exhibit different functional characteristics in ORR depending on the electrochemical activation conditions.