Ce single-atom synergizes icosahedral Pt 2 Ce nanoparticles to promote performance enhancement for zinc-air battery

Abstract

Precious metals play an indispensable role in the ongoing development of fuel cells. Controlling the amount of nobel metal added while enhancing catalytic activity and durability is of critical importance. Here, we had successfully proposed a method that utilized the synergistic effects of Pt-based nanoparticles and CeNC to enhance ORR performance. Due to the presence of CeNC, the dispersion of Pt-based nanoparticles was improved, and enabled the particle size to be reduced (2-3 nm). The prepared Pt 2 Ce alloy nanoparticles exhibited an icosahedral structure. The Pt 2 Ce/CeNC-600 exhibited excellent performance in acidic electrolyte, with a halfwave potential (E 1/2 ) measured at 0.81 V. When Pt 2 Ce/CeNC-600 was applied to zincair batteries (ZABs), it could achieve a power density of 184 mW cm -2 during discharge.Theoretical calculations showed that electrons transfer from CeNC to Pt 2 Ce in Pt 2 Ce/CeNC-600, indicating the existence of electron interactions and superior charge transfer ability. In addition, the energy barrier overcome in the O 2 *→OOH* reaction was reduced because of the coexistence of Pt 2 Ce and CeNC, making it easier for the reactants to reach the transition state and significantly accelerating the reaction rate. This research provided a clear path for structural control of advanced electrochemical materials.