A solvothermal synthesis employing N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) was previously shown to yield well-faceted platinum alloy nanoparticles that exhibit high electrocatalytic activities for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Here the effects of varying reaction temperature, time, and metal precursor concentration on the composition, structure, and activity of DMF-synthesized Pt-Ni nanoparticles are reported. Carbon-supported nanoparticle catalysts were characterized by metal analysis and x-ray diffraction. High angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy was used to examine nanoparticle size, shape and compositional structure.  ORR activities of the Pt-Ni catalysts synthesized under various conditions were measured by a thin-film rotating disk electrode method. In general, higher temperatures and precursor concentrations tended to produce materials with higher electrochemical surface areas, while lower temperatures and longer reaction times produced particles with superior ORR specific activity. These latter particles appear more uniformly faceted and better resist Ni dissolution during electrochemical testing.  While most of the products were dual-phase materials, several single-phase samples were obtained with reaction conditions favorable to high reaction rates, namely high concentration and temperature.

Platinum-nickel alloy nanoparticle oxygen reduction catalysts from a DMF-based solvothermal synthesis

246th National Meeting (2013)

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