Ru decorated Pt2CoNi/C nanoparticles as a proficient electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction.

Exploring minimal usage and highly proficient cathode electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction is greatly lessening the expenditure incurred in low-temperature fuel cells. Herein, we report a simple solvothermal process for the synthesis of Ru-Pt 2 CoNi/C-2 as a doped ternary electro catalyst towards efficient oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In present study, Ru-Pt 2 CoNi/C-2 catalyst exhibits a specific activity and mass activity of 1.6 mA/cm2 Pt and 0.31 A/mg Pt , which is 8 and 2.2 times higher, when compared to commercial Pt/C catalyst correspondingly. Interestingly, the long-time durability test (up to 20k cycles) reveals the significant ORR stability of Ru-Pt 2 CoNi/C-2 catalyst with 75% retention in its specific activity (1.2 mA/cm2 Pt). Moreover, a 30% enhancement in the electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) was recorded after 20k cycles, due to the complete exposure of all underlying active sites during the potential cycling. [Display omitted] • Study of Ruthenium (Ru) doped Pt ternary alloys to form Ru-Pt 2 CoNi/C-2 catalyst. • The oxophilic nature of Ru kinetically favours Oxygen Reduction Reaction. • I m and I s of Ru-Pt 2 CoNi/C-2 is 2.2 times and 8 times higher respectively than that of commercial Pt/C. • Ru-Pt 2 CoNi/C shows minimal loss (ΔE 1/2 = 5 mV) in activity after 20000 potential cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]