Title: Optimizing the ORR activity of Pd based nanocatalysts by tuning their strain and particle size

Abstract

Controlling of the particle size and surface strain is the key to tuning the surface chemistry and optimizing the catalytic performance of electrocatalysts. In this study, we show that by introducing both Fe and Co into Pd lattices, the surface strain of Pd nanocatalysts can be tuned to optimize their oxygen reduction activity in both fuel cells and Zn–air batteries. The Pd₂FeCo/C alloy particles are uniquely coated with an ultrathin Fe₂O₃ shell which is in situ formed during a thermal annealing treatment. The thin shell acts as an effective barrier that prevents the coalescence and ripening of Pd₂FeCo/C nanoparticles. Compared with Pd/C, Pd₂FeCo/C exhibits higher catalytic activity and long-term stability for the ORR, signifying changes in catalytic behavior due to particle sizes and strain effects. Moreover, by spontaneous decoration of Pt on the surface of Pd₂FeCo/C, the Pd₂FeCo@Pt/C core@shell structure was formed and the Pt mass activity was about 37.6 and 112.5 times higher than that on Pt/C in a 0.1 M HClO₄ and KOH solution at 0.9 V, respectively, suggesting an enhanced ORR performance after Pt decoration. More interestingly, Pd₂FeCo@Pt/C also shows a power density of ~308 mW cm^-2, which is much higher than that of Pt/C (175 mWmore » cm^-2), and excellent durability in a home-made Zn–air battery.« less

Authors:

Xiao, Weiping ^[1]; Liutheviciene Cordeiro, Marco Aurelio ^[2]; Gong, Mingxing ^[1]; Han, Lili ^[3]; Wang, Jie ^[1]; Bian, Ce ^[1]; Zhu, Jing ^[1]; Xin, Huolin L.  ^[2];

• Search DOE PAGES for author "Xin, Huolin L."
• Search DOE PAGES for ORCID "0000-0002-6521-868X"

Wang, Deli  ^[1]

• Search DOE PAGES for author "Wang, Deli"
• Search DOE PAGES for ORCID "0000-0003-2023-6478"

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+ Show Author Affiliations

1. Huazhong Univ. of Science and Technology, Wuhan (China). Ministry of Education and Key Lab. of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Hubei Key Lab. of Material Chemistry and Service Failure and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
2. Brookhaven National Lab. (BNL), Upton, NY (United States). Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN)
3. Tianjin Univ. (China). School of Materials Science and Engineering

Publication Date:

Tue Apr 18 00:00:00 EDT 2017

Research Org.:

Brookhaven National Lab. (BNL), Upton, NY (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES); National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC); Huazhong Univ. of Science and Technology, Wuhan (China)

OSTI Identifier:

1431451

Report Number(s):

BNL-203451-2018-JAAM
Journal ID: ISSN 2050-7488; JMCAET; TRN: US1802938

Grant/Contract Number:  

SC0012704; 21573083; NCET-13-0237

Resource Type:

Accepted Manuscript

Journal Name:

Journal of Materials Chemistry. A

Additional Journal Information:

Journal Volume: 5; Journal Issue: 20; Journal ID: ISSN 2050-7488

Publisher:

Royal Society of Chemistry

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE; 25 ENERGY STORAGE; 37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY; ORR activity