Electron-rich platinum electrocatalysts supported onto tin oxides for efficient oxygen reduction. (April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chao, Guojie; An, Xingyu; Zhang, Longsheng; Tian, Jing; Fan, Wei; Liu, Tianxi
• Is Part Of: Composites communications. Volume 24(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-04
• Subjects: Electrocatalyst -- Oxygen reduction reaction -- Platinum -- Electron density
• DOI: 10.1016/j.coco.2020.100603
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2452-2139

Abstract

Abstract: Developing high-performance electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is of significance for metal-air batteries and fuel cells. The platinum (Pt) catalyst is considered as the most ideal candidate for its highest catalytic activity towards ORR. However, the practical application of Pt catalyst is impeded for its high cost and poor catalytic stability. Here, we seek to use the SnO2 support to modify the electronic structures of Pt catalyst to boost its catalytic activity and durability. We synthesized Pt/SnO2 heterojunction catalyst with Pt nanoparticles anchored on SnO2 supports, which has the similar morphology to commercial Pt/C with Pt nanoparticles anchored on carbon supports. By means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, we find that the electron density of the Pt nanoparticles supported on SnO2 is increased, while no such features are found in the Pt/C catalyst. Comparing with the Pt/C catalyst, the Pt/SnO2 catalyst exhibits higher activity and better durability for ORR catalysis, which can be ascribed to the strong metal-support interactions between Pt nanoparticles and SnO2 supports. Highlights: Pt/SnO2 catalysts are synthesized with Pt nanoparticles uniformly anchored onto SnO2 supports. Strong metal-support interactions are generated between Pt nanoparticles and SnO2 supports. Increased electron densities of Pt nanoparticles are enabled by SnO2 supports. High catalytic activity and stability towards oxygen reduction reaction are obtained for Pt/SnO2 catalysts.