Metal–Support Interactions of Platinum Nanoparticles Modified with Pyrene-functionalized Alkylamine and Improved Electrocatalytic Activity of Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Pyrene-functionalized alkylamine (PA)-modified platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) supported on carbon exhibit a higher electrocatalytic activity toward oxygen reduction reaction than a state-of-the-art commercial Pt catalyst. To understand the reason behind the improved catalytic activity, the electronic structures of Pt NPs with or without PA and their corresponding carbon-supported catalysts are evaluated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. PA-modified catalysts induce a stronger interaction between Pt NPs and the corresponding supports than that induced by catalysts without PA modification.