Issue 34, 2020

Model building analysis – a novel method for statistical evaluation of Pt L3-edge EXAFS data to unravel the structure of Pt-alloy nanoparticles for the oxygen reduction reaction on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite

Abstract

Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) is a powerful tool to determine the local structure in Pt nanoparticles (NP) on carbon supports, active catalysts for fuel cells. Highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) covered with Pt NP gives samples with flat surfaces that allow application of surface science techniques. However, the low concentration of Pt makes it difficult to obtain good quality EXAFS data. We have performed in situ highly sensitive BCLA-empowered Back Illuminated EXAFS (BCLA + BI-EXAFS) measurements on Pt alloy nanoparticles. We obtained high quality Pt L3-edge data. We have devised a novel analytical method (model building analysis) to determine the structure of multi-component nanoparticles from just a single absorption edge. The generation of large numbers of structural models and their comparison with EXAFS fits allows us to determine the structures of Pt-containing nanoparticles, catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction. Our results show that PtCo, PtCoN and AuPtCoN form a Pt-shell during electrochemical dealloying and that the ORR activity is directly proportional to the Pt–Pt bond length.

Graphical abstract: Model building analysis – a novel method for statistical evaluation of Pt L3-edge EXAFS data to unravel the structure of Pt-alloy nanoparticles for the oxygen reduction reaction on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
22 Kax 2019
Accepted
14 Agd 2020
First published
14 Agd 2020

Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2020,22, 18815-18823

Model building analysis – a novel method for statistical evaluation of Pt L3-edge EXAFS data to unravel the structure of Pt-alloy nanoparticles for the oxygen reduction reaction on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite

F. E. Feiten, S. Takahashi, O. Sekizawa, Y. Wakisaka, T. Sakata, N. Todoroki, T. Uruga, T. Wadayama, Y. Iwasawa and K. Asakura, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2020, 22, 18815 DOI: 10.1039/C9CP06891K

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