Enhancement of Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction Activity and Durability of Pt-Ni Rhombic Dodecahedral Nanoframes by Anchoring to Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Support.

Pt-based nanostructured electrocatalysts supported on carbon black have been widely studied for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which occurs at the cathode in polymer electrolyte fuel cells. Because sluggish ORR kinetics are known to govern the cell performance, there is a need to develop highly active and durable electrocatalysts. The ORR activity of Pt-based electrocatalysts can be improved by controlling their morphology and alloying Pt with transition metals such as Ni.