Rapid microwave synthesis of platinum-copper alloy as efficient oxygen reduction electrocatalyst

doi:10.19799/j.cnki.2095-4239.2024.1135

Abstract

Abstract:

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) exhibits sluggish kinetics, leading to substantial platinum (Pt) consumption at the cathodes of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). However, the scarcity of Pt, along with the high cost, low ORR activity, and poor stability of commercial Pt/C catalysts, severely restricts the large-scale application of PEMFCs. Therefore, the development of efficient and practical catalysts with excellent activity, high stability, and reduced Pt usage is critical. Herein, a rapid microwave reduction method was developed to synthesize carbon-supported platinum-copper alloy nanoparticle (PtCu/C) catalysts. Transmission electron microscopy reveals that PtCu nanoparticles are uniformly distributed on the surface of the carbon support with an average particle size of 2.7 nm. Pt and Cu are evenly distributed within the nanoparticles, forming a Pt-rich surface structure with a thickness of two atomic layers. X-ray diffraction confirms the formation of PtCu alloy. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicates electron transfer from Cu to Pt, facilitating electronic interactions. Furthermore, the effects of the Pt∶Cu molar ratio in the precursor mixture, along with the temperature, time, and power of the microwave reaction, on the catalytic activity are systematically investigated. Electrochemical test results suggest that the optimal PtCu/C catalyst exhibits mass and area activities of 0.280 A/mg and 0.346 mA/cm² at 0.9 V (vs. RHE), respectively, outperforming commercial Pt/C catalyst (0.15 A/mg and 0.213 mA/cm²). Additionally, the PtCu/C catalyst shows enhanced electrochemical stability. The improved activity and stability of the PtCu/C catalyst are mainly attributed to the small PtCu nanoparticle size, alloying effects, and Pt-rich surface structure.

Key words: rapid microwave reduction, platinum-copper alloy, electrocatalyst, oxygen reduction reaction

CLC Number:

O 646

Cheng YUAN, Qian SHEN, Ruiwen ZHANG, Shiming ZHANG. Rapid microwave synthesis of platinum-copper alloy as efficient oxygen reduction electrocatalyst[J]. Energy Storage Science and Technology, 2025, 14(3): 1133-1140.

Figures/Tables 5

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