Overcoming the problem of insolubility to controllably synthesize AuCo alloy as a high performance electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction

Abstract

AuCo alloys were prepared by magnetron sputtering for the first time without considering the insolubility on the phase diagram. The electronic effect between Au and Co can change the oxygen adsorption energy and the ORR activity. The ORR activity of the Au₄₆Co₅₄ alloy electrode not only exceeded that of Au, but also exceeded that of Pt in basic solution.