Synthesis and application of core–shell Co@Pt/C electrocatalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Co@Pt/C core–shell catalysts are synthesized by a two-step chemical reduction method followed by the heat treatment in H2 and N2 mixture. High Resolution (HR-TEM), EDX (Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) and in-situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques are used to characterize the nano-structured catalysts. The results show that the core–shell structure of Co@Pt/C is formed and the average particle size is about 3 nm. From the result of the in-situ XRD, it is found that the heat treatment favors for the formation of crystalline structure and the proper particle size of catalyst. The in-situ XRD detection also helps find the optimized heat treatment temperature. The linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) result reveals that the Co@Pt (1:3)/C (reduced) catalyst exhibits the best catalytic activity toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). A 130 h life time test for the single cell, in which the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) using Co@Pt (1:3)/C (reduced) as the cathode catalyst, is operated to evaluate the durability. The results of the test show that the formation of the core–shell structure of Co@Pt/C catalyst is favorable to improve the stability and durability.

► From HR-TEM and XRD test, it was found the core–shell Co@Pt/C structure was formed.
► In-situ XRD was used to trace the nanostructure changes of the catalyst with changing temperature.
► Co@Pt (1:3)/C catalyst exhibited the best catalytic activity toward ORR.
► Performance of single cell kept stable even after 130 h testing.