Electronic metal-support interaction enhanced oxygen reduction activity and stability of boron carbide supported platinum
Year: 2017
Type: article
Abstract: Catalysing the reduction of oxygen in acidic media is a standing challenge. Although activity of platinum, the most active metal, can be substantially improved by alloying, alloy stability remains a concern. Here we report that platinum nanoparticles supported on graphite-rich boron carbide show a 50-100% increase in activity in acidic media and improved cycle stability compared to commercial carbon supported platinum nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy and x-ray absorption fine structure analysis confirm similar platinum nanoparticle shapes, sizes, lattice parameters, and cluster packing on both supports, while x-ray photoelectron and absorption spectroscopy demonstrate a change in electronic structure. This shows that purely electronic metal-support interactions can significantly improve oxygen reduction activity without inducing shape, alloying or strain effects and without compromising stability. Optimizing the electronic interaction between the catalyst and support is, therefore, a promising approach for advanced electrocatalysts where optimizing the catalytic nanoparticles themselves is constrained by other concerns.
Source: Nature Communications
DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15802
Institutions: University of Cape Town, University of Southampton
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $4,665
Awards: Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Supergen Hub, The Centre for Advanced Tribology at Southampton, Extended Network: The Global Challenge Network in Batteries and Electrochemical Energy Devices, South of England Analytical Electron Microscope [ATEM], University of Oxford - Equipment Account, G7400840617, G8192631654, STFC Global Challenge Network in Battery Science and Technology
OpenAlex ID: W2618879542