Oxygen evolution on Ebonex-supported Pt-based binary compounds in PEM water electrolysis

Ebonex-supported Pt-based binary electrocatalysts (Pt–Fe, Pt–Co) in different metal ratios were prepared by wet sol–gel method using acetilacetonate precursors (M[(C5H7O2)n]m, M = Pt, Fe, Co) and deposited on nonstoichiometric titanium oxide support. The composition of the synthesized composites were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray-photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. Their electrocatalytic activity toward oxygen evolution in PEM water electrolysis was investigated using the common electrochemical techniques of cyclic voltammetry and steady state polarisation. The XRD spectra registered a formation of solid solution between the metallic components accompanied by decrease in the lattice parameter and the crystal size. The effects observed resulted in enhanced efficiency toward oxygen evolution reaction of the synthesized Pt–Fe/Ebonex and Pt–Co/Ebonex catalysts compared to pure Pt.

► Ebonex-supported Pt–Fe and Pt–Co electrocatalysts were prepared and investigated.
► Pt–Fe and Pt–Co catalysts possess enhanced efficiency compared to pure Pt.
► The effects can explained with formation of solid solution and alloying.
► A realization of synergetic effect between catalyst and support is also assumed.