Heteroatom‐Doped Defects Anchoring Nano‐Pt for High‐Stability and Low‐Humidity Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

Abstract

To meet the ever‐increasing demand of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), it is necessary to carry out structure optimization for low‐cost and high‐stability oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts. Herein, a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)‐derived carbon material with a mass of heteroatoms and defects is developed and serves as advanced support for nano‐Pt‐based ORR catalysts. This unique structure enhances the interaction between nano‐Pt and support, leading to higher ORR intrinsic activity. During fuel cell applications, it demonstrates impressive water‐retaining capacity and electrochemical stability. Under H2‐O2 supply without cathode humidification, this catalyst achieves high mass activity of 0.475 A mgPt−1, with only 7.4% attenuation in maximum power density after 20 000 cycles of accelerated durability test, highlighting its remarkable potential for fuel cell applications. Physicochemical characterization and theoretical simulation reveal the crucial anchoring effect of heteroatom‐doped defects to nano‐Pt, providing valuable insights for further ORR catalyst design and PEMFC applications.