Highly stable cathodes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells: Novel carbon supported Au@PtNiAu concave octahedral core-shell nanocatalyst.

ABSTRACT

Despite the remarkable research efforts, the lack of ideal activity and state-of-the-art electrocatalysts remains a substantial challenge for the global application of fuel cell technology. Herein, is reported the synthesis of Au@PtNiAu concave octahedral core-shell nanocatalysts (Au@PtNiAu-COCS) via solvothermal synthesis modification and optimization approach. The special structure generating a large number of step atoms, enhancing the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) activity and stability. The superior ORR mass activity of the Au@PtNiAu-COCS is 11.22 times than the exhibited of Pt/C initially by Pt loading, and 5.11 times by Pt + Au loading. After 30 k cycles the mass activity remains 78.8% (8.83 times the initial Pt/C activity) and the half-wave potential only shifts 12 mV. Au@PtNiAu-COCS has superior half-cell activity and gives ideal membrane electrode assemblies. Furthermore, for MOR the Au@PtNiAu-COCS show enhanced anti-toxic (tolerant) ability in CO. This work provides a new strategy to develop core-shell structure nanomaterials for electrocatalysis.