Ni@Pt core–shell nanoparticles with enhanced catalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction

Ni@Pt core–shell nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical reduction and sequential chemical deposition. The as-prepared nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. Cyclic voltammetry and steady-state polarization measurements revealed that the Ni@Pt core–shell nanoparticles have much higher catalytic activity towards oxygen reduction than that of commercial BASF 20 wt Pt% catalyst. Ni@Pt core–shell nanoparticles only contain 16.7 at Pt%, therefore having a significantly reduced cost. Core–shell nanostructures could be a promising strategy to reduce the catalyst costs, but still maintain high catalytic reactivity.