Surface modifications of Pt-based atomically ordered nanoparticles to improve catalytic performances for oxygen reduction reaction

Abstract Bimetallic platinum-cobalt (Pt–Co) nanostructure catalysts represent superior catalytic performances for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In a variety of Pt–Co catalyst structures, atomically ordered structure catalysts show excellent catalytic performances in the ORR. In this work, for promoting their catalytic performances, atomically ordered PtCo nanoparticles (PtCo/C) with carbon supported were successfully prepared by an improved impregnation method and annealing. Then, the ordered PtCo/C catalysts have been significantly improved by doped with ultralow amount of Au and Cr transition metal. The physical and electrochemical test results demonstrate the Cr–PtCo/C and Au–PtCo/C catalysts have superior catalytic performances including mass activity and stability compared to commercialized Johnson Matthey (JM) Pt/C, which was the result of the modified electronic properties of Pt surface and atomically ordered structure. The presence of Au and Cr enhances the stability of PtCo/C catalysts. This work represents a simple way to promote the catalytic performances of the atomically ordered catalysts.