Rare Earth Gadolinium-Modified Platinum-Based Bimetallic Nanomaterial as a Cathodic Catalyst for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

As a cathode reaction, the oxygen reduction reaction is quite essential in proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Platinum on the carbon support is deemed to be an excellent catalyst for electrochemical application, especially for the oxygen reduction reaction. Nevertheless, its exorbitant cost and low stability are promoting its further development in PEMFCs. Currently, Pt–rare earth nanomaterials are investigated as promising alternatives. Herein, the PtGd bimetal catalyst was fabricated, and its electrocatalysis performance was studied toward the oxygen reduction reaction. Notably, higher mass activity of 0.26 A mgPt–1 was obtained with the Pt3Gd1/C alloy relative to commercial Pt/C (0.16 A mgPt–1). More importantly, after an accelerated durability test, the half-wave potential of the Pt3Gd1/C alloy deviated by 15 mV to the left and the mass activity diminished by 15.8%; correspondingly, the half-wave potential of commercial Pt/C was negatively shifted by 40 mV and the mass activity decreased by 51.4%.