Carbon-Supported Bimetallic Platinum–Iron Nanocatalysts: Application in Direct Borohydride/Hydrogen Peroxide Fuel Cell

Abstract

Carbon-supported bimetallic platinum–iron nanocatalysts (Pt–Fe/C) with various proportions of atoms, applied to direct borohydride/peroxide fuel cell (DBHFC) anode catalyst, are facilely prepared via a simple and low-cost chemical route in aqueous solution at ambient temperature. Transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction results show the Pt–Fe alloy structure's existence as well as the mean crystallite size of around 3 nm for Pt–Fe nanoparticles. Enhanced catalytic activity of Pt–Fe/C to BH4– electro-oxidation has been observed in electrochemical test (chronoamperometry, cyclic voltammetry, single fuel cell test, and rotating disc electrode voltammetry) results, and Pt67Fe33/C shows the best catalytic performance. High maximum power density of 65 mW cm–2 for DBHFC is acquired by using Pt67Fe33/C as anode at 25 °C. Furthermore, the electron-transfer number (n) related to BH4– oxidation is evaluated, and n of 4.9 can be achieved on Pt67Fe33/C electrode.