Influence of the Carbon Support on the Properties of Platinum–Yttrium Nanoalloys for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Carlos A. Campos‐Roldàn, Alice Parnière, Nicolas Donzel, F. Pailloux, Pierre‐Yves Blanchard, Deborah J. Jones, Jacqués Rozière, Sara Cavalière
Abstract
Electrocatalysts of high mass activity, high electrochemical surface area, and long-term stability are required for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode of fuel cells. Here, Pt-Y nanoalloys were produced by a solid-state approach on the most frequently used commercially available carbon supports, i.e., Vulcan XC-72, Ketjenblack EC-300J, and Ketjenblack EC-600JD. The prepared electrocatalysts were characterized and evaluated toward the ORR in acidic medium. Our results reveal that the nature of the carbon support influences the crystalline phase of the Pt-Y nanoalloy that forms on it as well as its particle size and near-surface chemistry. Using Ketjenblack EC-300 J produced mainly Pt3Y alloy nanoparticles of size ca. 5 nm. This carbon support effect was correlated to the activity/stability toward the ORR of the prepared nanoalloys. Our contribution provides insights for the optimal design of highly active/durable carbon-supported Pt-Y nanostructured electrocatalysts for fuel cells.