Highly active N–PtTe/reduced graphene oxide intermetallic catalyst for formic acid oxidation

Abstract The insufficient durabilities and low catalytic activities of formic acid oxidation electrocatalysts have prohibited the practical application of formic acid fuel cells. Herein, we prepare ordered intermetallic-phase N–PtTe nanoparticles with high electrocatalytic activity and superior durability towards formic acid electro-oxidation. The enhanced catalytic activity and stability are mainly attributed to the synergetic effects of atomic Pt and Te on the particle surfaces, in which Te helps to activate OH − and allows Pt to easily oxidize the CO⁎ intermediate species to CO 2 . The present work highlights the mechanism of activity enhancement towards formic acid electro-oxidation after the incorporation of Te, which is desirable for the design of intermetallic electrocatalysts and potential applications in low temperature fuel cells.