Metal–nonmetal nanoarchitectures: quaternary PtPdNiP mesoporous nanospheres for enhanced oxygen reduction electrocatalysis

The controllable synthesis of mesoporous Pt-based catalysts with designed compositions is highly desired for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In this work, we look beyond the traditional Pt-based all-metal alloys and fabricate quaternary PtPdNiP mesoporous nanospheres (PtPdNiP MNs) using a facile two-step strategy. Benefitting from their mesoporous nanoarchitectures and composition effect, the as-fabricated PtPdNiP MNs exhibit superior catalytic activity and durability for the ORR. The proposed synthetic strategy is highly feasible for the fabrication of metal–nonmetal nanoarchitectures with designed structures and controlled compositions.