Platinum-alloy nanostructured thin film catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction

In an effort to study advanced catalytic materials for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), a number of metallic alloy nanostructured thin film (NSTF) catalysts have been characterized by rotating disk electrode (RDE). Optimal loadings for the ORR and activity enhancement compared to conventional carbon supported nanoparticles (Pt/C) were established. The most efficient catalyst was found to be PtNi alloy with 55 wt% of Pt. The enhancement in specific activity is more than one order of magnitude, while the improvement factor in mass activity is 2.5 compared to Pt/C. Further lowering of the platinum to nickel ratio in NSTF catalysts did not lead to increased mass activity values.

► Highly active Nanostructured Thin Film alloy catalysts for the ORR.
► Optimal loading for RDE experiments 65 micrograms of Pt per cm2.
► The PtNi NSTF is the most active system for the ORR.
► Optimal content of Pt in PtNI alloy is 55 wt%.