Engineering a High-Loading Sub-4 nm Intermetallic Platinum–Cobalt Alloy on Atomically Dispersed Cobalt–Nitrogen–Carbon for Efficient Oxygen Reduction in Fuel Cells

Abstract

Developing a high-performance membrane electrode assembly (MEA) poses a formidable challenge for fuel cells, which lies in achieving both high metal loading and efficient catalytic activity concurrently for MEA catalysts. Here, we introduce a porous Co@NC carrier to synthesize sub-4 nm PtCo intermetallic nanocrystals, achieving an impressive Pt loading of 27 wt %. The PtCo−CoNC catalyst demonstrates exceptional catalytic activity and remarkable stability for the oxygen reduction reaction. Advanced characterization techniques and theoretical calculations emphasize the synergistic effect between PtCo alloys and single Co atoms, which enhances the desorption of the OH* intermediate. Furthermore, the PtCo−CoNC-based cathode delivers a high power density of 1.22 W cm −2 in the MEA test owing to the enhanced mass transport, which is verified by the simulation results of the O 2 distributions and current density inside the catalyst layer. This study lays the groundwork for the design of efficient catalysts with practical applications in fuel cells.

PGM-free single atom catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction in proton exchange membrane fuel cells

“…Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have become a prominent technology in clean energy conversion due to their remarkable efficiency in electrical power generation, relatively low operating temperatures and environmentally benign by-products. 1–7 The advancement of PEMFC technology has enabled hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) to achieve an impressive range of up to 750 kilometers, and thus match or even exceed the range of conventional vehicles with combustion engines. However, the commercialization of PEMFCs faces several significant challenges.…”

Nickel–cobalt oxide nanoparticles as superior electrocatalysts for enhanced coupling hydrogen evolution and selective ethanol oxidation reaction

“…Unfortunately, non-precious catalysts will confront the sluggish reaction kinetics and difficult electron transfer for the EOR, which greatly impede their wide application. 12,13…”