Role of electronic property of Pt and Pt alloys on electrocatalytic reduction of oxygen

Journal Article · Tue Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1998 · Journal of the Electrochemical Society

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1149/1.1838934· OSTI ID:316278

Watanabe, Masahiro ^[1]

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1. Yamanashi Univ., Kofu (Japan)

Electrocatalytic activity of PtNi alloy surfaces formed by sputtering was investigated toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in perchloric acid solution. Hydrodynamic voltammograms with rotated electrodes were utilized to measure the activity. Maximum activity was observed at ca. 30% of Ni content by which a ten times larger kinetic current density than that of pure Pt was attained. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of the surfaces after the reaction indicated that the active surfaces were completely covered by Pt. The effect of Pt interatomic distance at the surface or of surface roughening was excluded as the cause of high activity. The authors present a mechanism of the ORR based on d electron vacancy at the surface Pt due to Ni content a few monolayers below the surface. This type of catalyst will contribute in development of fuel cells for electric vehicles and other applications.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 316278
• Journal Information: Journal of the Electrochemical Society, Journal Name: Journal of the Electrochemical Society Journal Issue: 12 Vol. 145; ISSN 0013-4651; ISSN JESOAN
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
CATALYTIC EFFECTS
ELECTROCATALYSTS
ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE
FUEL CELLS
NICKEL ALLOYS
PLATINUM
PLATINUM ALLOYS
REDOX REACTIONS