Pulse-reverse electrodeposition of Pt–Co bimetallic catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction in acidic medium

Pt–Co electrodeposited by pulse reverse current on carbon cloth (CC) and glassy carbon (GC) are studied. On both substrates, applying a higher reverse current or a longer reverse-time increases the Pt content due to higher Co dissolution from Pt–Co structures, but does not affect the morphology. Despite similar morphologies and compositions deposited on CC or GC, the electrochemical behaviors of Pt–Co on both substrates are significantly different. Distinct hydrogen under-potential deposition (HUPD) adsorption/desorption peaks are not observed on CC, while well-defined peaks are established on GC. Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) of Pt–Co on CC is significantly higher than on GC due to its highly porous structure. The ORR on GC changes with the Pt content controlled by varying the reverse pulse during electrodeposition, where Pt–Co with 58 at.% Pt or higher provides a better activity than Pt, with 77 at.% Pt having the highest ORR activity.