Strengthening oxygen reduction activity and stability of carbon-supported platinum nanoparticles by fluorination

Abstract By combining experimental and theoretical aspects, this study focuses on exploring and enhancing the activity and stability towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) of fluorinated carbon supported platinum nanoparticles in the acidic electrolyte. Physical characterization results revealed that fluorinated carbon support generates a C-F bonding. The interaction between Pt and fluorinated-carbon allows for a strong charge transfer from Pt to the support. This phenomenon is consistent with the density functional theory (DFT) analysis. Because of the fluorination, the electronic structure of Pt is changed, which is an advantage for improving the catalytic activity and stability of the catalyst towards ORR.