New Bimetallic Catalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) Based on Ni and Pt Carbide: Synthesis, Characterization and Electrochemical Studies

A novel synthesis route yielding materials suitable for use as catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel cells is reported. A reaction between two inorganic salts in the presence of an organic binder leads to a metallorganic precursor, which is subsequently thermally decomposed to produce the final material. The temperature of the final thermal treatment step was found to be a critical parameter influencing the efficiency of the electrocatalyst in the ORR; the range between 400°C and 700°C was explored. A thorough analysis of the chemical composition of the products demonstrated that this synthesis route can yield materials having the desired metal composition. The determination of the electrochemical efficiency towards the ORR showed that several of the materials produced through this synthesis route have an overall activity much higher than that of commercial electrocatalysts with a similar platinum content.