Efficient synthesis of Pt3Co/NC alloy catalysts with enhanced durability and activity for the oxygen reduction reaction

Abstract

Lack of catalytic performance, short life, and high cost are three main problems related to JM-Pt/C catalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The introduction of cheap transition metals improves catalytic performance while significantly reducing the cost of the catalysts. Here, we report the synthesis of Pt3Co/NC alloy catalysts via coating and pyrolysis treatment. The agglomeration of nanoparticles during the high-temperature alloying process is significantly inhibited by coating with PANI. Remarkably, the obtained Pt3Co/NC alloy catalysts exhibit excellent ORR catalytic performance and structural stability in 0.1 mol/L HClO4. After 30,000 potential cycles, the mass activity and area-specific activity of Pt3Co/NC alloy catalysts are 1.949 and 3.936 times higher, respectively, than that of JM-Pt/C with negligible performance loss. The strong metal-support interaction between N and Pt and the Pt-rich surface restrict the dissolution of Pt and Co, resulting in excellent stability. This synthesis approach provides an effective way to develop active and stable Pt alloy catalysts.