High-performance ORR Catalysts

We have developed a class of highly active and ultra-stable catalysts for oxygen reduction reactions (ORR), by doping the composition of Pt3Ni surface layers with various transition metals (M). Mo-Pt3Ni/C demonstrated ~4 times higher activity than the undoped Pt3Ni/C, and nearly two orders magnitude higher activity than commercial Pt/C, while at the time exhibiting ultra-stability that greatly outperform bothPt3Ni/C and Pt/C.

Yu Huang (UCLA)

Development of highly active and ultra-stable catalysts for oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) which is the critical rate and cost limiting reaction in fuel cells by changing the composition of Pt3Ni octahedra surface layers.

We have developed a class of highly active and ultra-stable catalysts for oxygen reduction reactions (ORR), by doping the composition of Pt3Ni surface layers with various transition metals (M). Mo-Pt3Ni/C demonstrated ~4 times higher activity than the undoped Pt3Ni/C, and nearly two orders magnitude higher activity than commercial Pt/C, while at the time exhibiting ultra-stability that greatly outperform bothPt3Ni/C and Pt/C. This work simultaneous addresses the long lasting critical challenges in fuel cells regarding the low activity and durability of Pt ORR catalysts, and brings fuel cell technology one step closer to broad applications.

Our studies also provide a new strategy to enhance catalyst performance, which can contribute to more efficient chemical production and refinement process, reducing the associated negative environmental impact. 

Designing Materials to Revolutionize and Engineer our Future (DMREF)