Microwave-assisted preparation of PtCu/C nanoalloys and their catalytic properties for oxygen reduction reaction

The PtCu nanoalloys supported on XC-72 carbon support were prepared using ethylene glycol as the reducing agent by a microwave-assisted method. The morphology and structure of the catalysts were measured by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Characterization results show that PtCu alloy nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed on the carbon black with an average particle diameter between 6 and 8 nm. The electrochemical method is used to test the oxygen reduction recation (ORR) of the catalysts. The test results show that the PtCu/C catalysts with a Pt: Cu molar ratios of 2:1 had significantly higher peak potential and higher peak current for ORR compared with commercial Pt/C (Johnson Matthey Corp.) with the same Pt loading. The addition of Cu changes the properties of the Pt surface and the lattice structure of Pt, so that its dispersion and utilization can be improved, thereby improving its catalytic activity for oxygen reduction. •Easy preparation of PtCu/C alloy nanocatalysts by one-pot microwave-assisted method.•PtCu/C alloys exhibit superior structure stability compared with Pt/C (JM).•Enhanced catalytic activity for the ORR of the nanocatalyst in acid media.