The effect of the stabilizer on the properties of a synthetic Nicore–Ptshell catalyst for PEM fuel cells

The core–shell structure of Nicore–Ptshell nanoparticles (NPs) was synthesized by a polyol method using 1,2 propanediol. The effect of using a different stabilizer, namely either polyvinylpyrrolidone or oleic acid, was investigated. The results revealed that the two stabilizers differentially affected the crystal structure of the Ni core metal, the particle size and the metal composition of the Nicore–Ptshell NP catalysts. The properties of the catalysts were tested by cyclic voltammetry and linear sweep voltammetry. The Nicore–Ptshell catalyst formed with PVP as the stabilizer gave a higher EAS value, in accord with its smaller particle size, than that formed with oleic acid as the stabilizer. There was no significant difference in the limiting current density of the Nicore–Ptshell catalysts when using the two different stabilizers.

► Preparation of Nicore–Ptshell catalyst via polyol process using 1, 2 propanediol for PEM fuel cell. ► Study the effect of stabilizers, PVP and oleic acid, on the properties of prepared Nicore–Ptshell catalysts. ► Nicore–Ptshell catalyst with PVP stabilizer gave smaller particle size and higher EAS. ► The stability of H2 adsorption–desorption mechanism of PVP catalyst was proved to be better than oleic acid catalyst. ► After LSV testing, there was no significant difference in the limiting current density among PVP and oleic catalyst.