Nitrogen-doped Vulcan Carbon-supported Intermetallic PtCo Nanocatalyst for Augmented Oxygen Reduction Performance

The catalytic activity of intermetallic PtCo nanocatalysts in the cathodic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) must be further improved to increase the efficiency and durability of fuel cells; however, this remains a significant challenge. Specifically, improving the properties of catalyst supports is crucial for enhancing the catalytic activity and stability of intermetallic PtCo nanoparticles (NPs). In this investigation, nitrogen-doped Vulcan Carbon (N-VC) was used as a modified support to disperse intermetallic PtCo NPs and improve ORR performance. pXRD and XPS analyses confirmed that the PtCo exists as an intermetallic phase supported on the N-VC. While the PtCo/N-VC catalyst had a slightly larger particle size than the PtCo/VC catalyst, it performed, however, significantly better in the ORR. Nitrogen doping did not alter the formation of the intermetallic PtCo phase or the surface availability for the ORR; however, it increased the catalyst's electrochemical surface area nearly seven-fold. Consequently, PtCo/N-VC exhibited enhanced catalytic activity and greater durability during electrochemical cycling compared to the undoped PtCo/VC catalyst. These results suggest that nitrogen-doped carbon significantly enhances the ORR performance and stability of intermetallic PtCo nanocatalysts, potentially leading to the development of long-lasting, efficient fuel cell catalysts for clean energy applications.