High stability platinum electrocatalysts with zirconia–carbon hybrid supports

Abstract

A nano-ZrO₂ shell was decorated successfully on the surface of carbon to improve the stability of an electrocatalyst. Pt nanoparticles (NPs) were formed on the support by an isothermal hydrolysis procedure. This composite was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) with EDS and cyclic voltammogram techniques. HRTEM images show that the nano-ZrO₂ shell has been decorated on the surface of carbon and 2–3 nm Pt NPs are dispersed on the carbon surface homogeneously, including the edge of the nano-ZrO₂ shell. The electrochemical stability of the prepared Pt/ZrO₂–C is enhanced considerably in comparison with a conventional Pt/C catalyst, which can be attributed to the inhibition of the migration and aggregation of Pt NPs on the support and the increase of the oxidation resistance of carbon with the nano-ZrO₂ shell.