Platinum-Copper (Pt-Cu, Premetek) Alloy on Carbon Black as Electrocatalysts for Electrolyzer and Fuel Cell, 0.5 g/bottle, CEFCEPtCuC
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Platinum-Copper (Pt-Cu) electrocatalysts are renowned for their high activity and the unique way they are synthesized, often involving a "de-alloying" process to create highly active surfaces. While Pt-Co is the commercial leader, Pt-Cu is frequently cited in research for achieving some of the highest mass activities for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR).
In fuel cells, Pt-Cu is primarily utilized at the cathode to drive the Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR). (1) De-alloying and "Swiss Cheese" Structures: A common method for Pt-Cu involves starting with a copper-rich alloy (like PtCu3) and then leaching out most of the copper using acid or electrochemical cycles. This leaves behind a "Pt-skeleton" or "Pt-skin" structure with a porous, high-surface-area morphology that is much more active than standard Pt/C. (2) Mass Activity Boost: Pt-Cu catalysts have demonstrated mass activities up to 10–14 times higher than commercial Pt/C benchmarks in lab settings. This is due to the "strain effect," where the remaining copper atoms in the core compress the platinum surface, optimizing its electronic state for oxygen bonding. (3) Commercial Performance: Unlike pure Pt, Pt-Cu can achieve target power densities with significantly lower platinum loadings (e.g., 0.1 mg/cm^2), which is critical for reducing the cost of fuel cell stacks.
In electrolyzers, Pt-Cu is used at the cathode for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER). (1) HER Performance: Pt-Cu alloys are highly efficient for HER, often surpassing pure Pt/C due to the synergy between Pt and Cu. However, since Pt/C is already very efficient for HER, the performance jump is usually less dramatic than what is seen in fuel cell ORR. (2) Critical Stability Concerns: The main drawback for Pt-Cu in electrolyzers is copper leaching. If Cu ions migrate into the proton exchange membrane, they can: (a) Lower Conductivity: By displacing protons (H+) in the Nafion membrane. (b) Accelerate Degradation: Copper can catalyze the formation of harmful radicals (Fenton-like reactions) that chemically attack and thin the membrane, leading to gas crossover and failure.
| Part Number |
CEFCEPtCu11C20 |
CEFCEPtCu31C20 |
| Platinum-Copper Content |
20 wt% Pt-Cu (1:1 ratio) (15.1 wt% Pt, 4.9 wt% Cu), 80 wt% carbon black (Vulcan XC-72) |
20 wt% Pt-Cu (3:1 ratio) (18.0 wt% Pt, 2.0 wt% Cu), 80 wt% carbon black (Vulcan XC-72) |
| Metal Surface Area |
~120 m2/g |
~90 m2/g |
| Catalyst BET Surface Area: |
~200 m2/g |
~200 m2/g |
| Metal Crystallite Size |
2-3 nm |
2-4 nm |
| Catalyst granule size D(100) |
≤ 75 µm |
≤ 75 µm |
| Impurities |
≤ 500 ppm |
≤ 500 ppm |
| Package Size | 0.5 g/bottle | 0.5 g/bottle |
Notes: Please try to store the Pt-Cu/C powder in a dry place.
References:
- P. Mani, et al. Dealloyed Pt−Cu Core−Shell Nanoparticle Electrocatalysts for Use in PEM Fuel Cell Cathodes, J. Phys. Chem. C 2008, 112, 7, 2770–2778.
- M. Oezaslan, et al. PtCu3, PtCu and Pt3Cu Alloy Nanoparticle Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Alkaline and Acidic Media, J. Electrochem. Soc., 2012, 159, B444.