Facile synthesis of platinum-copper aerogels for the oxygen reduction reaction

Although carbon-supported platinum (Pt/C) has been generally used as a catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel cells, its practical application is limited by corrosion of carbon support. Therefore, it essential to develop new self-supported catalysts ORR. Noble metal aerogels represent highly promising with large specific surface area and excellent electrocatalytic activity. Classic sol-gel processes aerogel synthesis usually take days due slow gelation kinetics. Here, we report straightforward strategy synthesize platinum-copper (PtCu) reducing salt solution an excess sodium borohydride at room temperature. The PtCu are formed relatively short time 1 h through rapid nucleation mechanism. obtained have porous structure appreciable topological 33.0 m2/g mainly exposed (111) facets, which favorable Consequently, exhibit ORR activity mass 369.4 mA/mgPt 0.847 mA/cm2, 2.6 3.3 times greater than those Pt/C, respectively. show remarkable catalysis among all noble that reported. morphology outstanding activities illustrate their applications cells.