| 초록 |
Electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on Pt surface has been dramatically boosted by recent breakthroughs in Pt-M (M=Transition metals) alloy nanocrystals. After the revelation of beneficial effect in transition metal alloying, various strategies have been suggested to increase Pt mass activity and stability. However, surface properties of carbon where Pt-M alloy nanocrystals are supported have long been regarded as a minor part of ORR electrocatalysis. Here, we report highly boosted ORR on PtNi nanocrystals by surface engineering of carbon supports. On N-functionalized surface, PtNi surface shows low affinity toward OHad/Oad species, indicating low surface coverage and thereby much higher availability of Pt active sites during ORR electrocatalysis. This study sheds light on the importance of surface-engineering in carbon support as another important factor in nano-particulate electrocatalysts. |
