One-Pot Synthesis of Gram-Level Shape-Controlled Pt-Ni Catalysts with Enhanced Electrocatalytic Properties for PEMFC

Abstract

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) are one of the most effective ways to solve energy and environmental problems due to their high efficiency, environmental protection and stability. As the most efficient redox catalyst, Platinum (Pt) remains the first choice for PEMFC catalysts. However, the low reserves and high prices of platinum have made it difficult to reduce the cost of PEMFC and affect its commercial application. Therefore, improving the utilization and activity of Pt is still the focus of current research on fuel cell catalysts. In recent years, the development of catalyst has been focused on the shape-controlled platinum alloy nanoparticles. It is reported that more highly active Pt-M (111) crystal faces can be exposed in the shape-controlled catalysts, which increases the activity of the catalyst and the utilization of Pt. However, these high performance catalysts were usually prepared by multistep synthesis method with difficult preparation and poor reproducibility, which also has a low yield in one-batch. Thus, a facile yet efficient synthesis strategy is necessary for enabling atomic-scale engineering and mass production of nanocatalysts for real world applications. Herein, we report a relatively effective and simple one-pot synthesis of novel shape-controlled Pt-Ni catalysts and its single production is around 0.5g. By controlling the reaction time, the catalysts with different morphology were prepared and their electrocatalytic properties were studied. The nanoframe catalyst possess the best ORR activity and durability. In this regard, this method can be a promising way for mass production of the high performance shape-controlled Pt-Ni alloy electrocatalyst.