One-step solid state synthesis of PtCo nanocubes/graphene nanocomposites as advanced oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalysts

Here, we report the synthesis of PtCo nanocubes with core-shell structure on graphene surface by a novel solid state method. Since no organic agent and surfactant was used during the synthesis process, the PtCo nanocubes surface is definite clean. The mean grain size of PtCo nanocubes is just about 5 nm, and PtCo nanocubes possess core-shell structure with PtCo core and a thin Pt-rich shell (about 3-5 atomic layers) on the surface. Compared with commercial Pt/C catalyst, the PtCo nanocubes exhibit an 8.4 times mass activity enhancement toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Besides, the PtCo nanocubes show extreme high electrochemical durability. (C) 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.