Synergistic interactions between PtRu catalyst and nitrogen-doped carbon support boost hydrogen oxidation
Journal
Nature Catalysis
Date Issued
2023-01-01
Author(s)
Ni, Weiyan
Meibom, Josephine Lederballe
Hassan, Noor Ul
Chang, Miyeon
Chu, You Chiuan
Krammer, Anna
Sun, Songlan
Zheng, Yiwei
Bai, Lichen
Ma, Wenchao
Lee, Seunghwa
Jin, Seongmin
Luterbacher, Jeremy S.
Schüler, Andreas
Mustain, William E.
Hu, Xile
Abstract
Hydroxide exchange membrane fuel cell (HEMFC) is a potentially cost-effective energy conversion technology. However, current state-of-the-art HEMFCs require a high loading of platinum-group-metal (PGM) catalysts, especially for the hydrogen oxidation reaction. Here we develop a porous nitrogen-doped carbon-suppported PtRu hydrogen oxidation reaction catalyst (PtRu/pN-C) that has a high intrinsic and mass activity in alkaline condition. Spectroscopic and microscopic data indicate the presence of Pt single atoms in addition to PtRu nanoparticles on pN-C. Mechanistic study suggests Ru modulates the electronic structure of Pt for an optimized hydrogen binding energy, while Pt single atoms on pN-C optimize the interfacial water structure. These synergetic interactions are responsible for the high catalytic activity of this catalyst. An HEMFC with a low loading of this catalyst and a commercial Fe–N–C oxygen reduction reaction catalyst achieves a high PGM utilization rate. The current density at 0.65 V of this HEMFC reaches 1.5 A cm−2, exceeding the US Department of Energy 2022 target (1 A cm−2) by 50%. [Figure not available: see fulltext.]
SDGs
Type
journal article