Particle-size effect of Pt cathode catalysts on durability in fuel cells

A modified nanocapsule method prepares Pt and Pt-M (M = V, Cr, Fe, Co, and Ni) alloy NPs highly dispersed on carbon black as ORR catalysts.

“To obtain control of the particle size in a narrow range, Yano et al. 92,94 developed a modied nanocapsule method to prepare Pt and Pt-M (M ¼ V, Cr, Fe, Co, and Ni) alloy NPs, highly dispersed on carbon black as ORR catalysts.”

Pt particle size in the modified nanocapsule method was controlled by changing the molar ratio of the metal precursor Pt(acac)2 to surfactant in the solvent.

“The Pt particle size was controlled by changing the molar ratio of the metal precursor Pt(acac) 2 to surfactant in the solvent.94”

The modified nanocapsule method can prepare Pt/C catalysts with average particle sizes of 2, 3, and 4 nm, each with a very narrow standard deviation (ca. 10%).

“Recently, they used the above method to prepare Pt/C catalysts with average particle sizes of 2,3, and 4 nm, each with a very narrow standard deviation (ca.10%).”

NPs that are uniform in size and highly dispersed over the whole surface of the carbon support are key to catalyst durability.

“They thought that NPs, being uniform in size and highly dispersed over the whole surface of the carbon support, are the key to catalyst durability.”

Pt NPs as small as 2 nm were quite durable among 2, 3, and 4 nm homemade Pt/C catalysts and commercial 2 nm Pt/C.

“Contrary to the common view, Yano et al. 94 found that Pt NPs as small as 2 nm were quite durable among 2, 3 and 4 nm homemade Pt/C catalysts and commercial 2 nm Pt/C.”