Nanostructured shrub-like bimetallic PtxRh100-x alloys grown on carbon paper for the oxidative removal of adsorbed carbon monoxide for ethanol fuel cells reaction

Plasmas techniques are novel routes for the preparation of complex nanostructured materials for catalysis and clean hydrogen energy such as fuel cells. CBPLD technique allows enhanced interaction between the catalyst and the support and improved catalytic properties. Herein, a highly active and durable vertically aligned nanostructured shrub-like bimetallic PtxRh100-x alloys with atomic ratios close to nominal values are grown on carbon paper substrate. The tolerance to CO poisoning and ethanol electrooxidation reactions are studied over these new types of shrub-like bimetallic PtxRh100-x/CP catalysts, demonstrating that such structures effectively facilitate both processes and very low long-term poisoning rates. Such high catalytic activity accounts for two mechanisms: Rh a highly oxophilic transition metal activates water dissociation at lower potentials than Pt (bifunctional mechanism), and the ligand effect where Rh alters the electronic structure of the neighboring Pt suggesting a faster supply in OHads.