Ultra-small platinum nanoparticles segregated by nickle sites for efficient ORR and HER processes

Abstract In the electrochemical process, Pt nanoparticles (NPs) in Pt-based catalysts usually agglomerate due to Oswald ripening or lack of restraint, ultimately resulting in reduction of the active sites and catalytic efficiency. How to uniformly disperse and firmly fix Pt NPs on carbon matrix with suitable particle size for catalysis is still a big challenge. Herein, to prevent the agglomeration and shedding of Pt NPs, Ni species is introduced and are evenly dispersed in the surface of carbon matrix in the form of Ni-N-C active sites (Ni ZIF-NC). The Ni sites can be used to anchor Pt NPs, and then effectively limit the further growth and agglomeration of Pt NPs during the reaction process. Compared with commercial Pt/C catalyst, Pt@Ni ZIF-NC, with ultralow Pt loading (7 wt%) and ideal particle size (2.3 nm), not only increases the active center, but also promotes the catalysis kinetics, greatly improving the ORR and HER catalytic activity. Under acidic conditions, its half-wave potential (0.902 V) is superior to commercial Pt/C (0.861 V), and the mass activity (0.38 A per mg Pt) at 0.9 V is 4.7 times that of Pt/C (0.08 A per mg Pt). Besides, it also shows outstanding HER performance. At 20 and 30 mV, its mass activity is even 2 and 6 times that of Pt/C, respectively. Whether it is under ORR or HER conditions, it still shows excellent durability. These undoubtedly indicate the realization of dual-functional catalysts with low-Pt and high-efficiency properties.