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A Facile Way for Acquisition of a Nanoporous Pt–C Catalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Author(s) -
Xie Xianxian,
Khalakhan Ivan,
Vorokhta Mykhailo,
Yakovlev Yurii,
Dinhová Thu Ngan,
Nováková Jaroslava,
Kúš Peter,
Dopita Milan,
Veltruská Kateřina,
Matolínová Iva
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
advanced materials interfaces
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.671
H-Index - 65
ISSN - 2196-7350
DOI - 10.1002/admi.202100122
Subject(s) - materials science , x ray photoelectron spectroscopy , cathode , scanning electron microscope , proton exchange membrane fuel cell , catalysis , chemical engineering , nanoporous , electrochemistry , transmission electron microscopy , anode , oxide , scanning transmission electron microscopy , membrane electrode assembly , analytical chemistry (journal) , electrode , nanotechnology , composite material , fuel cells , metallurgy , biochemistry , chemistry , chromatography , engineering
Here, the concept of preferential leaching of cerium oxide on ternary Pt–C–CeO 2 compound is demonstrated in order to develop a cost‐effective catalyst for the cathode in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The Pt–C–CeO 2 thin film catalyst is prepared by simultaneous magnetron co‐sputtering of Pt, C, and CeO 2 . The morphology, structure, and composition of the Pt–C–CeO 2 layer are characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. Both half‐cell and single‐cell tests are performed to determine its activity and durability. During an activation electrochemical cycling procedure, CeO 2 is leached from the compound, leaving behind a porous Pt–C matrix which exhibits almost 3 times higher electrochemically active surface area in comparison with pure Pt with identical loading before and even after accelerated degradation tests in the half‐cell. When used as the cathode in a single‐cell membrane electrode assembly, decomposed Pt–C–CeO 2 also shows greater power density than pure Pt.