Insight into the correlation of Pt–support interactions with electrocatalytic activity and durability in fuel cells

Abstract

Researchers have identified that the interactions between metals and their supports have significant impacts on the electrocatalytic activity and durability. However, their interactions have not been well studied. In the case of platinum (Pt) nanoparticles supported on carbon in fuel cells, they suffer from issues in activity and durability due to carbon corrosion and Pt dissolution, which can be improved by tuning the interactions between Pt and its supports. However, a rational design of Pt–support composites requires an in-depth understanding of the relations between Pt and its supports, particularly on their interfaces. Based on these considerations, this review aims at providing an overview of the interactions between Pt and its supports from experimental and theoretical results, in the hope of revealing how the metal–support interactions affect the activity and durability of the composite catalysts. In this work, we first discuss the fundamentals of Pt–support interactions and enhanced catalytic activity and durability through modifying Pt–support interactions. Then, we summarize the conventional and advanced characterizations of Pt–support interactions. Finally, we provide an outlook for future studies to improve electrocatalytic performance by manipulating the Pt–support interaction. This review will benefit peer researchers in designing new-generation electrocatalysts with better activity and long-term stability for fuel cells.