Effect of Magnetic Field on Properties of AuPt Particles Magneto-electrodeposited on Carbon Paper

Abstract

AuPt nano particles are bi-functional catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction that takes place on air electrodes in lithium air batteries. In this work, magnetic field was applied during electrodeposition for the preparation of AuPt particles. With the increase of the magnetic flux density under constant current density, the grain size decreases from ∼1 μm to 200 nm and the activity of the AuPt catalyst increases. The magnetic field orienting vertically to the electric field has a promotion effect on increasing the catalytic ability of AuPt/carbon electrode. By pulse plating, the grain size decreases to about 100 nm. By adjusting parameters of the electric field and the magnetic field, controllable in situ preparation of AuPt catalyst with various morphology and catalytic activity can be achieved.