Abstract
Although oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts have been extensively investigated and developed, there is a lack of clarity on catalysts that can balance high performance and low cost. Pt-based intermetallic nanocrystals are of special interest in the commercialization of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) due to their excellent ORR activity and stability. This review summarizes the wide range of applications of Pt-based intermetallic nanocrystals in cathode catalysts for PEMFCs and their unique advantages in the field of ORR. Firstly, we introduce the fundamental understanding of Pt-based intermetallic nanocrystals, and highlight the difficulties and countermeasures in their synthesis. Then, the progress of theoretical and experimental studies related to the ORR activity and stability of Pt-based intermetallic nanocrystals in recent years are reviewed, especially the integrated strategies for enhancing the stability of ORR. Finally, the challenges faced by Pt-based intermetallic nanocrystals are summarized and future research directions are proposed. In addition, numerous design ideas of Pt-based intermetallic nanocrystals as ORR catalysts are summarized, aiming to promote further development of commercialization of PEMFC catalysts while fully understanding Pt-based intermetallic nanocrystals.
Highlights
Energy is the economic lifeline on which humankind depends for its survival and development
Using the hydrogel interaction of polyvinyl alcohol and graphene oxide (GO) with freeze-drying technique, the authors constructed a three-dimensional porous structure with reduced graphene oxide as carbon support, which ensures the uniform dispersion of NPs and effectively protects them from agglomeration during the formation of the ordered structure induced by high temperature (Figure 5d,e)
We present a comprehensive understanding of Pt-based intermetallic nanocrystals, and summarize the key points of synthesis of Pt-based nanometallic intermetallic nanocrystals, especially the problems that should be paid attention to during the heat treatment and the countermeasures to cope with them, as well as their applications in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysis in recent years
Summary
Energy is the economic lifeline on which humankind depends for its survival and development. In the field of transportation applications, proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have received attention due to their high energy conversion efficiency, high energy density, environmental friendliness, and low operating temperature [1]. Over the past two decades, the catalysts have been heavily explored to achieve high activity, high stability and low cost [6]. These catalysts include Pt/C, Pt-alloy, core–shell, shape-controlled nanocrystal, nanoframe/nanocage, and non-precious metal catalyst [7]. The theoretical and experimental progress that correlates ORR activity and stability with intermetallic nanocrystals is reviewed, followed by a discussion of synergistic strategies to enhance ORR performance, especially stability. The purpose of this review is to give a systematic introduction to the researchers who are new to this field, and provides constructive and practical suggestions to peers in this field
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