Pt-shell / Ni-core nanoparticle electrocatalyst supported on graphite particles for oxygen reduction reaction

摘要

One method of forming an electrocatalyst for fuel cell applications comprises electrolessly depositing a first plurality of nickel particles on carbon support particles. The nickel particles are formed from an aqueous solution containing nickel ions. At least some of the nickel particles are replaced by platinum by galvanic displacement reaction to form a second plurality of nickel particles coated with a layer of platinum. During this displacement reaction step, the nickel particles are heated to a temperature which is high enough to form the platinum layer. Finally, the second plurality of nickel particles is optionally incorporated into a cathode layer of a fuel cell.