Conventional optimization of fuel cell catalysts is achieved by alloying of Pt nanoparticles with additional components. Here, the concept of nanocomposites consisting of separately immobilized monometallic nanoparticles (Pt, Ir NPs and Pt, Au NPs) is developed.
By comparing the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance in a standard rotating disk electrode (RDE) setup and under more realistic conditions in a gas diffusion electrode (GDE) setup, we demonstrate the improved stability and activity of Pt-Au nanocomposites, and their potential as electrocatalysts for fuel cells.

This work was carried out by Jia Du and coworkers in the group of Prof. Matthias Arenz.

References:

• J. Du, J. Quinson, A. Zana, M, Arenz;
  "Elucidating Pt-Based Nanocomposite Catalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Rotating Disk Electrode and Gas Diffusion Electrode Measurements"
  ACS Catalysis, 2021, 11(21),7584-7594; doi:10.1021/acscatal.1c01496.