Core‐passivation: A concept for stable core‐shell nanoparticles in aqueous electrocatalysis. Issue 4 (19th January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Göhl, Daniel; Paciok, Paul; Wang, Zhenshu; Kang, Jin Soo; Heggen, Marc; Mayrhofer, Karl J. J.; Román‐Leshkov, Yuriy; Ledendecker, Marc
• Is Part Of: Nano select. Volume 4:Issue 4(2023)
• Page Start: 271
• Page End: 277
• Publication Date: 2023-01-19
• Subjects: electrocatalysts -- fuel cell -- oxygen reduction reaction -- stability; Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; 620.5
• DOI: 10.1002/nano.202200240
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2688-4011

Abstract

Abstract: The stability of nanoparticles is a major challenge in thermal and electrocatalysis. This is especially true for core‐shell nanoparticles where only a few monolayers of noble metal protect the usually non‐noble core material. In this work, we utilize the practical nobility concept to engineer stable core‐shell nanoparticles with a self‐passivating core material. Specifically, tantalum carbide as core material in combination with a 1–3 monolayer thick platinum shell exhibits exceptional stability in aqueous media. The core‐shell catalyst shows no sign of structural changes after 10, 000 degradation cycles up to 1.0 VRHE . Due to the efficient passivation of tantalum carbide at the solid/liquid interface, the dissolution reduces by a factor of eight compared to bare Pt. Our findings confirm that passivating core materials are highly beneficial for the stabilization of core‐shell nanomaterials in aqueous media. They open up new ways for the rational design of cost‐efficient but stable non‐noble core – platinum shell nanoparticles where harsh, oxidizing conditions are employed. Abstract : Core‐shell particle with a self‐passivating core allows for the design of active and stable electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction. Core‐shell nanoparticles with non‐noble core elements are susceptible to degradation and dissolution. Here, we report on tantalum carbide nanoparticles that are covered with an atomically thin platinum shell. The synthesized nanoparticles are highly active for the electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction by forming a self‐healing oxide film at the solid/liquid interface and are stable over 10, 000 degradation cycles.