A strategy for easy synthesis of carbon supported Co@Pt core–shell configuration as highly active catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction

An oxygen-mediated galvanic battery reaction strategy has been developed to one-step synthesize carbon-supported Co@Pt core–shell nanostructures. Relying on this strategy, a structural evolution of 3-D Pt-on-Co bimetallic nanodendrites into Co@Pt core–shell configuration is readily achieved in our study. These well-supported and low-Pt-content nanostructures show superior electrocatalytic activities to oxygen reduction reaction. Especially, the supported Co@Pt core–shell electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction shows a high activity with the maximal Pt-mass activity of 465 mA mg−1 Pt at 0.9 V (vs. RHE). The present investigation clearly demonstrates that the design and synthesis of the core–shell nanostructures is a viable route for building Pt-based electrocatalysts with optimized utilization efficiency and higher cost performance.

Graphical abstractThe supported Pt nanodendrites can transfer into core–shell nanosturctures by restraining the galvanic reaction on support, which shows a significantly high activity for oxygen reduction reaction.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Oxygen-mediated galvanic battery reaction leads to one-step synthesis of supported core–shell nanostructures. ► Supported core–shell electrocatalyst affords high activity and stability for oxygen reduction reaction. ► Design of core–shell nanostructures is a viable route for building high performance electrocatalysts.