Synthesis of nanostructured Pt x Ni/C and Pt x Co/C catalysts and their activity in the reaction of oxygen electroreduction

Abstract

Nanostructured Pt x Ni/C and Pt x Co/C catalysts (1 ≤ x ≤ 3) containing from 27 to 40 wt % of metal with the average size of metal (alloy) particles from 2.6 to 4.7 nm are obtained using the methods of liquid-phase synthesis. Addition of a doping component is found to yield a decrease in the average nanoparticle sizes and an improved activity of materials in oxygen electroreduction reactions. The obtained catalysts are characterized by high specific activity as compared to commercial Pt/C materials. The stability of electrocatalysts to selective dissolution of the doping component is evaluated.