Nanoscale Morphological and Structural Transformations of PtCu Alloy Electrocatalysts during Potentiodynamic Cycling
Abstract
PtCu bimetallic alloys are known to provide better activity than pure platinum in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. However, such catalysts undergo complex degradation processes during fuel cell operation, resulting in deterioration of their activity.
By using in situ electrochemical (EC) atomic force microscopy combined with in situ EC infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy, we provide a comprehensive investigation of morphological and structural transformations of PtCu model thin film catalysts during accelerated degradation tests (ADTs). The ADTs consist of potentiodynamic cycling to three different upper potentials relevant for different modes of fuel cell operation.
The results show that, depending on the upper potential limit, PtCu alloy electrocatalysts are subject to drastic changes in the surface composition, morphology, and structure.