Thermally driven interfacial diffusion synthesis of composition-controllable Pt-Pb bimetallic nanoparticles boosts oxygen reduction and methanol oxidation electrocatalysis

The exploration of fresh electrocatalysts with excellent performance for oxygen reduction and methanol oxidation is an emerging need for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). However, the generally applied PtM catalysts also possess drawbacks which include limited catalytic activity, leaching of M, and insufficient long-term durability. In this work, we have successfully prepared a group of PtPb nanoparticle with excellent oxygen reduction activity and methanol oxidation activity. We focus the insights into the synergistic effect result from different composition on the electrocatalytic oxygen reduction and methanol oxidation. As a result of their controllable surface composition and favorable electronic interaction, the Pt1Pb1.5 NPs show enhanced electrocatalytic performance for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). Facilitated by the introduction of properly composition of Pb, the Pt1Pb1.5 demonstrate mass activity of 1.39 mA mg−1 for ORR and exhibit specific activity of 1.32 mA cm−2 for MOR, which are 4.96 and 8.25 times higher than commercial Pt/C catalyst. This high-performance bifunctional catalyst indeed provides a guidance for future design of functional materials in the field of catalyst and energy conversion.