Elemental and morphological analysis of novel Pt catalysts synthesized by galvanic displacement

Extended surface catalysts are being investigated as cathode materials for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). A significant amount of the cost in PEMFCs is directly related to the electrocatalysts, which are typically Pt or Pt-based alloy nanoparticles dispersed on high surface area carbon black supports (Pt/C). Pt/C have moderate mass activity and low specific activity [1], and extended surface Pt catalysts have been reported to increase the specific activity and mass activity, possibly due to the exposure of more active crystal facets [2]. Yan et al. have synthesized Pt electrocatalyst from lower noble metal templates via galvanic replacement reactions [3]. This is achievable because of the high standard dissolution potential of Pt (1.18V) compared to lower noble metals (e.g. 0.8V for Ag), which shifts to eve