PtCuRu Nanoflowers with Ru‐Rich Edge for Efficient Fuel‐Cell Electrocatalysis. Issue 48 (21st October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Qiao, Meng; Meng, Fan‐Yi; Wu, Hao; Wei, Yan; Zeng, Xiao‐Fei; Wang, Jie‐Xin
• Is Part Of: Small. Volume 18:Issue 48(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-10-21
• Subjects: ethanol oxidation reaction -- first‐principles calculations -- methanol oxidation reaction -- Ru‐rich edge -- ternary alloys; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanoparticles -- Periodicals; Microtechnology -- Periodicals; 620.5
• DOI: 10.1002/smll.202204720
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1613-6810

Abstract

Abstract: Enhancing the catalytic activity of Pt‐based alloy by a rational structural design is the key to addressing the sluggish kinetics of direct alcohol fuel cells. Herein, a facile one‐pot method is reported to synthesize PtCuRu nanoflowers (NFs). The synergetic effect among Pt, Cu, and Ru can lower the d‐band center of Pt, regulate the morphology, generate Ru‐rich edge, and allow the exposure of more high index facets. The optimized Pt0.68 Cu0.18 Ru0.14 NFs exhibit outstanding electrocatalytic performances and excellent anti‐poisoning abilities. The specific activities for the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) (7.65 mA cm −2 ) and ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) (7.90 mA cm −2 ) are 6.0 and 7.1 times higher than commercial Pt/C, respectively. The CO stripping experiment and the chronoamperometric (5000 s) demonstrate the superior anti‐poisoning property and durability performance. Density functional theory calculations confirm that high metallization degree leads to the decrease of d‐band center, the promotion of oxidation of CO, and improvement of the inherent activity and anti‐poisoning ability. A Ru‐rich edge exposes abundant high index facets to accelerate the reaction kinetics of rate‐determining steps by decreasing the energy barrier for forming *HCOOH (MOR) and CC bond breaking (EOR). Abstract : The PtCuRu nanoflowers (NFs) with different morphology are determined by the amount of Ru. The optimized Pt0.68 Cu0.18 Ru0.14 NFs with Ru‐rich edge and high‐index facets exhibit outstanding catalytic activity and stability for both the methanol and ethanol oxidation reaction, providing the feasibility of designing ternary alloy bifunctional catalyst for the construction of high‐performance direct alcohol fuel cells.