Intermetallic compounds M2Pt (M = Al, Ga, In, Sn) in the oxygen evolution reaction

Pt-based intermetallic compounds M2Pt with anti-CaF2 type of crystal structure and counterpart elements (M) from groups 13 (Al, Ga, In) and 14 (Sn) were studied as electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in acidic media. Polar covalent bonding M–Pt with substantial charge transfer makes the difference between M2Pt and elemental platinum. The compounds M2Pt (M = Al, Ga, In) possess enhanced OER activity compared to elemental Pt and it improves during the partial on-going leaching of the M component. Therefore, the M2Pt compounds act as precursors for formation of OER-active MxPt1−x layers.