Highly stable cathodes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells: Novel carbon supported Au@PtNiAu concave octahedral core-shell nanocatalyst

Despite the remarkable research efforts, the lack of ideal activity and state-of-the-art electrocatalysts remains a substantial challenge for the global application of fuel cell technology. Herein, is reported the synthesis of Au@PtNiAu concave octahedral core-shell nanocatalysts (Au@PtNiAu-COCS) via solvothermal synthesis modification and optimization approach. The special structure generating a large number of step atoms, enhancing the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) activity and stability. The superior ORR mass activity of the Au@PtNiAu-COCS is 11.22 times than the exhibited of Pt/C initially by Pt loading, and 5.11 times by Pt + Au loading. After 30 k cycles the mass activity remains 78.8% (8.83 times the initial Pt/C activity) and the half-wave potential only shifts 12 mV. Au@PtNiAu-COCS has superior half-cell activity and gives ideal membrane electrode assemblies. Furthermore, for MOR the Au@PtNiAu-COCS show enhanced anti-toxic (tolerant) ability in CO. This work provides a new strategy to develop core-shell structure nanomaterials for electrocatalysis.(c) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study reports the synthesis of Au@PtNiAu concave octahedral core-shell nanocatalysts with solvothermal synthesis. The unique structure of the nanocatalysts, which generates a large number of step atoms, enhances the activity and stability of the oxygen reduction reaction and methanol oxidation reaction. The nanocatalysts exhibit superior performance in terms of mass activity and also show enhanced anti-toxic ability. This work provides a new strategy for the development of core-shell structure nanomaterials for electrocatalysis.