Recent Advances in Earth-Abundant Core/Noble-Metal Shell Nanoparticles for Electrocatalysis

Abstract

Electrocatalysis plays a central role in the development of clean energy technologies. The core–shell nanoparticle, which comprises a thin layer of catalytically active shell over a subsurface core, represents an important class of electrocatalysts. Although the internal core does not participate directly in catalysis, it influences the properties of the shell in terms of activity and stability. Furthermore, the usage of platinum-group metals (PGMs) can be greatly reduced when earth-abundant elements serve as the core materials. Thanks to these advantages, core–shell nanoparticles have attracted ever-increasing research interest. In this Perspective, we focus on recent advances of core–shell electrocatalysts constituted by earth-abundant cores and noble-metal shells. We start by discussing the factors that can influence the electrocatalytic properties of core–shell nanoparticles and move on to briefly summarize their synthetic strategies. We further discuss the core–shell electrocatalysts in terms of different core materials (low-PGM alloys, nonprecious metals, nitrides, carbides, and oxides) and showcase their electrocatalytic properties in reactions involved in water electrolysis and fuel cells. We conclude by discussing the general trends and challenges in this field.

Resolving the nanoparticles' structure-property relationships at the atomic level: a study of Pt-based electrocatalysts

“…Therefore, if we wish to use Pt-M-containing electrocatalysts in PEMFCs, it is of paramount importance to understand, lower, and eventually eliminate leaching of M. In order to do this, it is crucial for the PEMFC community to first understand the related chemical and electrochemical phenomena on a fundamental level. Many extensive studies have already addressed the structure-property behavior of Pt-based electrocatalysts ( Baldizzone et al., 2015a ; Gatalo et al., 2018 ; Gong et al., 2020 ; Han et al., 2015 ; Li et al., 2014 ; Oezaslan et al., 2012b ; Strasser and Kühl, 2016 ; Strasser et al., 2010 ; Yu et al., 2012 ; Zalitis et al., 2020 ). However, most of these studies are based on the oversimplified, perfectly shaped model systems, which are based on either model single-crystal measurements or a result of purely theoretical calculations, and thus, do not cover the necessary complexity of real nanoparticulate systems behind these relations.…”

Confinement Effects in Individual Carbon Encapsulated Nonprecious Metal‐Based Electrocatalysts

“…[1][2][3] At the same time, new electrocatalysts, that is, electrode materials are needed for necessary improvements in rate, efficiency, and selectivity of the energy conversion. [4][5][6][7] Practically, precious metal-based materials (e.g., Pt, Pd, Ru, Ir, Rh, their alloys and compounds) are conventionally state-of-the-art electrocatalysts with excellent electrocatalytic efficiency, and are frequently used in proton exchange membrane fuel cells or water splitting systems. [8][9][10][11][12][13] Nonetheless, high-cost, limited reserve, and relatively poor long-term stability are the major obstacles of precious metal-based catalysts for large-scale commercialization.…”

Noble Metal-Based Catalysts with Core-Shell Structure for Oxygen Reduction Reaction: Progress and Prospective

“…The chemical reduction method is widely used in the preparation of core–shell structural noble metal-based materials. The effects of the reaction solvent, end-capping agent and reducing agent on the structure and ORR performances of the catalysts have been studied systematically [ 65 ]. Chemical reduction methods are generally classified as a continuous reduction method or co-reduction method.…”