Activity and Long-Term Stability Study of Pt-Y/C Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Author(s)

da Silva, G. C. ; Santos, N. A. ; Perez, J. ; Shao, M ; Brisard, G

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ELECTROCATALYSIS 8; v. 72, n. 29, p. 12-pg., 2016-01-01.

Abstract

Pt-Y/C catalysts were prepared by a modified formic acid method and their activities for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) were evaluated. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that no alloy was formed between the metals, while x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that yttrium is present as Y2O3, Y(OH)(3), and Y-O-Pt. The Pt-Y/C 7:3 material had the highest specific activity (94 mu A cm(Pt)(-2)) for ORR, and was superior to other PtY/C materials. Following repetitive potential cycling, ORR activity of the Pt-Y/C 7:3 catalyst decreased in a similar proportion to that of Pt/C. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results of the aged ultrathin catalyst layer were in agreement with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy data. These studies revealed that the intensities of the Y 3d peaks were suppressed due to voltammetric cycling and that while Y2O3 and Y(OH)(3) dissolved, Y-O-Pt remained in the catalyst. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/50727-9 - Development of systems for hydrogen production and for the generation and utilization of electrochemical energy
• Grantee: Ernesto Rafael Gonzalez
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 13/17549-5 - Study of variations of physico-chemical properties of Nd-Pt/C and Pt-Nd-Sn/C for the ethanol electro-oxidation.
• Grantee: Nathalia Abe Santos
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate