Connected nanoparticle catalysts possessing a porous, hollow capsule structure as carbon-free electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction in polymer electrolyte fuel cells

摘要: We employ connected nanoparticle catalysts with a porous, hollow capsule structure as carbon-free electrocatalysts for the cathode in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) or proton exchange membrane (PEMFCs). The consist of fused ordered alloy platinum–iron (Pt–Fe) nanoparticles. This unique beaded network enables surprisingly high activity oxygen reduction reaction, 9 times that state-of-the-art commercial catalyst. Because are formed without sacrificing surface area nanoparticles and can conduct electrons, show good performance an actual PEMFC carbon support. Moreover, elimination intrinsically solves problem corrosion. Thus, significant advancement over conventional electrode will lead to ultimate solution cathodes.