Numerous studies of platinum-based nano-sized alloy particles have been conducted to develop highly efficient electrode catalysts for polymer-electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC): the relation between topmost surface structures and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activities is a key issue. However, discussion on the ORR mechanisms is complicated because of uncertainties in outermost surface structures or compositions of the alloy particles. Our experimental approach for this subject is well-defined bimetallic single crystal surface fabrications in ultra-high vacuum (UHV) by using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and electrochemical (EC) evaluations after sample transfer from UHV to EC environments without being exposed to air. In this study, Pt deposited Au(111) (Pt/Au(111)) bimetallic surfaces are prepared in UHV by using MBE and topmost surface structures are discussed with reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) and IR reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) for carbon monoxide adsorption. Then, EC properties for the UHV-prepared bimetallic surfaces are evaluated.

Oxygen reduction reaction activity for platinum-based bimetallic single crystal surfaces prepared by molecular beam epitaxy

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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