Weakened Oxygen Adsorbing the Pt-O Bond of the Pt Catalyst Induced by Vacancy Introduction into Carbon Support

The change in the oxygen adsorption states of Pt nanoparticles by ion irradiation of the carbon support is studied by in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements. The difference spectra around a Pt L-3 edge due to oxygen adsorption are recorded, and a lowering in the Pt-O antibonding level by the ion irradiation is observed, thus resulting in a weakening of the Pt-O bond. This indicates that the introduction of vacancies in the carbon support would result in weak Pt-O bonds assumable through the stronger Pt-C interaction, which is considered to enhance the oxygen reduction reaction activity of the deposited Pt nanoparticles. Theoretical studies have demonstrated that the vacancies affect Pt through the Pt-C interaction and then result in the weakening of the Pt-O bond.

Automated summary

The change in the oxygen adsorption states of Pt nanoparticles by ion irradiation of the carbon support was studied using in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements. It was observed that ion irradiation caused a weakening of the Pt-O bond, potentially enhancing the oxygen reduction reaction activity of the Pt nanoparticles deposited on the carbon support.