Ternary nickel–tungsten–copper alloy rivals platinum for catalyzing alkaline hydrogen oxidation

Shuai Qin, Yu Duan, Xiao-Long Zhang, Li-Rong Zheng, Fei-Yue Gao, Peng-Peng Yang, Zhuang-Zhuang Niu, Ren Liu, Yu Yang, Xu-Sheng Zheng, Jun-Fa Zhu and Min-Rui Gao ()
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Shuai Qin: University of Science and Technology of China
Yu Duan: University of Science and Technology of China
Xiao-Long Zhang: University of Science and Technology of China
Li-Rong Zheng: Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Fei-Yue Gao: University of Science and Technology of China
Peng-Peng Yang: University of Science and Technology of China
Zhuang-Zhuang Niu: University of Science and Technology of China
Ren Liu: University of Science and Technology of China
Yu Yang: University of Science and Technology of China
Xu-Sheng Zheng: University of Science and Technology of China
Jun-Fa Zhu: University of Science and Technology of China
Min-Rui Gao: University of Science and Technology of China

Nature Communications, 2021, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Operating fuel cells in alkaline environments permits the use of platinum-group-metal-free (PGM-free) catalysts and inexpensive bipolar plates, leading to significant cost reduction. Of the PGM-free catalysts explored, however, only a few nickel-based materials are active for catalyzing the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) in alkali; moreover, these catalysts deactivate rapidly at high anode potentials owing to nickel hydroxide formation. Here we describe that a nickel–tungsten–copper (Ni5.2WCu2.2) ternary alloy showing HOR activity rivals Pt/C benchmark in alkaline electrolyte. Importantly, we achieved a high anode potential up to 0.3 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode on this catalyst with good operational stability over 20 h. The catalyst also displays excellent CO-tolerant ability that Pt/C catalyst lacks. Experimental and theoretical studies uncover that nickel, tungsten, and copper play in synergy to create a favorable alloying surface for optimized hydrogen and hydroxyl bindings, as well as for the improved oxidation resistance, which result in the HOR enhancement.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22996-2

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