Ultra-thin PtFe-nanowires as Durable Electrocatalysts for Fuel Cells...

Ultra-thin PtxFey nanowires (PtxFey-NWs) with different compositions were prepared by a self-developed solution-phase reduction method. TEM images show that the PtxFey-NWs were successfully synthesized at Pt-Fe composition ranging 1:1 – 2:1. The s PtxFey-NWs show very good durability under a cyclic voltammerty based test: After 1000 cycles from 0 -1.3V (vs. RHE), the ECSA of PtxFey nanowires dropped down to 46%, which is 2 times better than 20-wt% Pt/C catalyst. Further, PtxFey-NWs were found to experience a smart evolution in the course of durability test, with a 25 times improvement in ORR specific activity within the first 400 cycles.