Graphite particle-supported Pt-shell/Ni-core nanoparticle electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction

摘要

A method for forming an electrocatalyst for fuel cell applications comprises electrolessly depositing a first plurality of nickel particles onto carbon-support particles. The nickel particles are formed from a nickel ion-containing aqueous solution. At least a portion of the nickel particles are replaced with platinum via a galvanic displacement reaction to form a second plurality of nickel particles coated with a platinum layer. During this displacement reaction step, the nickel particles are heated to a temperature sufficient to form the platinum layer. Finally, the second plurality of nickel particles is optionally incorporated into a cathode layer of a fuel cell.

主权项

1. A method for forming an electrocatalyst for use in a fuel cell, the method comprising:
a) activating a plurality of carbon-support particles by contacting the carbon support particles with an acid solution; b) electrolessly depositing uncoated nickel particles onto carbon-support particles, the nickel particles being formed from an aqueous nickel ion-containing solution; c) replacing at least a portion of the nickel particles with platinum via a galvanic displacement reaction to form platinum-coated nickel particles wherein the nickel particles are heated to a predetermined temperature sufficient to form a platinum layer; and d) incorporating the platinum-coated nickel particles into a cathode layer of the fuel cell.