PtCo-ZIF-derived hybrid electrocatalysts comprising an ordered PtCo alloy and a single-atoms-decorated carbon shell for the oxygen reduction reaction

Recent research on hybrid catalysts showed that Pt-based alloy particles surrounded by a single-atoms-decorated carbon shell exhibit promising oxygen reduction reaction catalytic activity and durability owing to the synergistic effect. However, the structural complexity of these hybrid catalysts renders their synthesis challenging. This study synthesized a mixed-metal zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) containing Pt and Co ions coordinated with a benzimidazole ligand, which was used as a scaffold to fabricate hybrid catalysts comprising uniform PtCo intermetallic alloy particles coated with a thin N-doped carbon shell containing numerous Pt and Co single atoms via one-step annealing. Without post-treatment, the mass and specific activities of the synthesized catalyst were significantly higher than those of the commercial Pt/C catalyst. Additionally, the synthesized catalyst exhibited ultra-long-term durability, meeting the 2025 target of the U.S. Department of Energy, even after 300 000 cycles of an accelerated durability test. [Display omitted] •PtCo-ZIF is synthesized with Pt and Co atoms-coordinated benzimidazole.•PtCo nanoparticles show intermetallic phase and N-doped carbon shell.•New catalyst surpassed Pt/C catalyst in ORR activity ans durability.