Oxygen reduction reaction and proton exchange membrane fuel cell performance of pulse electrodeposited Pt–Ni and Pt–Ni–Mo(O) nanoparticles

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are an important alternative to fossil fuels and a complement batteries for the electrification of vehicles. However, their high cost obstructs commercialization, catalyst material, including its synthesis, constitutes one major components. In this work, Pt–Ni Pt–Ni–Mo(O) nanoparticles (NPs) varying composition have been synthesized in single step by pulse electrodeposition onto PEMFC's gas diffusion layer. The proposed synthesis route combines NP fixation microporous carbon layer step. Both catalysts exhibit extremely mass activities at oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) with very low Pt loadings around 4 μg/cm2 due favorable distribution NPs contact proton membrane. Particle sizes 40–50 nm 40–80 were obtained systems, respectively. highest ORR found Pt67Ni33 Pt66Ni32–MoOx NPs. feasibility single-step was successfully demonstrated; however, ternary more amorphous nature contrast crystalline, binary particles, oxidized state Mo. Nevertheless, despite heterogeneous nature, show homogeneous behavior even on microscopic scale.