Core dominated surface activity of core-shell nanocatalysts on methanol electrooxidation

Tsan Yao Chen, Tzy Jiun Mark Luo, Yaw Wen Yang, Yu Chen Wei, Kuan Wen Wang, Tsang Lang Lin, Ten Chin Wen, Chih Hao Lee

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The activity of core-shell nanoparticles (NCs) in electrooxidation of methanol (MOR) was found to be dependent on the crystalline structure of the core and the lattice strain at the core-shell interface. Ru-core and Pt-shell NCs delivered 6.1-fold peak MOR current density at -135 mV than Pt NCs, while the Co-core and Pt-shell NCs showed a 1.4-fold peak MOR current density at 280 mV. The current density is improved by the compressive lattice strain of the surface that is caused by the lattice mismatch between the Pt shell and the Ru core. For Co-core NCs, the enhancement results from the ligand effect at surface Pt sites. In addition, the Ru-core NCs maintained a steady current density of 0.11 mA cm -2 at 500 mV in a half-cell system for 2 h, which is 100-fold higher than that of Pt NCs and Co-core NCs. These results provide mechanistic information for the development of fuel cell catalysts along with reduced Pt utilization and programmable electrochemical performance.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)16969-16978
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Physical Chemistry C
Volume116
Issue number32
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012 Aug 16

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • General Energy
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Core dominated surface activity of core-shell nanocatalysts on methanol electrooxidation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this