Well-defined nanostructures with non-precious metal cores and Pt ultrathin shells are recognized as promising catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) to enhance Pt efficiency through core/shell interfacial strain and ligand effects. However, core/shell interaction within a real catalyst is complex and, due to the presence of various interfaces in all three dimensions, is often over-simply interpreted. Using Co2P/Pt core/shell structure as a model catalyst, we demonstrate, through density functional theory (DFT) calculations, that forming Co2P (001)/Pt (111) interface can greatly improve Pt energetics for ORR, while Co2P (010)/Pt (111) is highly detrimental to ORR catalysis. We develop a seed-mediated approach to core/shell Co2P/Pt nanorods (NRs) within which Co2P (001)/Pt (111) interface is selectively expressed over the side facets and the undesired Co2P (010)/Pt (111) interface is minimized. The resultant Co2P/Pt NRs are highly efficient in catalyzing ORR in acid, superior to benchmark CoPt alloy and Pt nanoparticle catalyst. As the first example of one-dimensional (1D) core/shell nanostructure with an ultrathin Pt shell and a non-precious element core, this strategy could be generalized to develop ultra-low-loading precious-metal catalysts with favorable core/shell interactions for ORR and beyond.

Favorable core/Shell Interface within Co2P/Pt nanorods for oxygen reduction electrocatalysis

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

[Author Benefits](https://scimeetings.acs.org/?utm_source=pubs_content_marketing&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=0320_MCF_NPI_Launch_Spring_Homepage&ref=pubs_content_marketing)

[How to use SciMeetings](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMeetings-ACSSpring2020-HowToGuide_M3020-Final.pdf)

[Frequently Asked Questions](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMtng_ACSNMSp2020_FAQ_M3120_Final.pdf)

ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.