Synergistic improvement of oxygen reduction reaction on gold/cerium-phosphate catalysts

• Au/CePO4 nanocomposites showing comparable activity to Pt (4-electron reduction).
• Modification of Au-electronic structures by CePO4 to enhance the ORR activity.
• Catalytic activity of CePO4 for hydrogen peroxide, contributing to complete ORR.

The main challenge in fuel cells lies in improving slow oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics causing low conversion efficiencies. Here, we introduce the Au/CePO4-binary nanocomposites as effective oxygen reduction catalysts in alkaline media. The ORR activity comparable with Pt is achieved through the serial 4-electron reduction pathway. The bi-functionality of CePO4 is suggested to explain the remarkably enhanced activity on the Au/CePO4 nanocomposites. Significantly, the own catalytic activity of CePO4 for hydrogen peroxide is demonstrated, validating synergistic effects with Au for complete ORR.

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