Confined-Space Alloying of Nanoparticles for the Synthesis of Efficient PtNi Fuel-Cell Catalysts

The efficiency of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells is strongly depending on the electrocatalyst performance, that is, its activity and stability. We have designed a catalyst material that combines both, the high activity for the decisive cathodic oxygen reduction reaction associated with nanoscale Pt alloys, and the excellent durability of an advanced nanostructured support. Owing to the high specific activity and large active surface area, the catalyst shows extraordinary mass activity values of 1.0 Amg(Pt)(-1). Moreover, the material retains its initial active surface area and intrinsic activity during an extended accelerated aging test within the typical operation range. This excellent performance is achieved by confined-space alloying of the nanoparticles in a controlled manner in the pores of the support.