Tuning Multimetallic Ordered Intermetallic Nanocrystals for Efficient Energy Electrocatalysis

Ordered intermetallic alloys have attracted extensive attention as advanced electrocatalysts for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) reactions with much improved activity and stability. Here, latest progress in tuning intermetallic Pt‐ and Pd‐based nanocrystals with tunable morphology and structure for catalyzing both the cathodic reduction of oxygen and anodic oxidation of fuels (e.g., methanol, ethanol and formic acid) in PEMFCs is highlighted. Making/tuning interesting intermetallic PtM (M = Fe, Co, Pb, Cu, etc.)‐based nanocrystals for boosting oxygen reduction reaction with high activity and stability by using/controlling high‐temperature annealing treatment is discussed. In all the reported Pt‐based intermetallic nanocrystals, controlling the degree of ordering under the proper high temperature treatment is the key for achieving the optimized electrocatalysis. In order to search for cheaper catalysts, the progress on making Pd‐based intermetallic nanocrystals is also discussed. Furthermore, future research directions are proposed and discussed to further enhance the efficiency of such unique intermetallic multimetallic nanocatalysts. This report aims to demonstrate the potential of ordered intermetallic strategy for boosting electrocatalysis and stimulating more research efforts in this field. Recent progress in optimizing the catalytically performance of multimetallic ordered intermetallic nanocrystals for fuel cell reactions, inlcuding the anodic oxidation of fuels and cathodic reduction of oxygen, and studying the underlying structure‐performance relationship is highlighted.