Bimetallic Electrocatalysts Based on Modified Carbon Supports for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

A combined approach is proposed for the design of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts based on bimetallic PtCu nanoparticles and nitrogen-doped carbon supports (Vulcan XC-72, KetjenBlack EC-600JD). Nitrogen doping of KetjenBlack increases the mass activity in ORR to 1261 A/g(Pt), which is 4.9 times higher than that of the commercial Pt/C (HiSPEC3000) counterpart. Transmission electron microscopy revealed improved dispersion and uniform distribution of bimetallic nanoparticles. Stress testing confirmed the high stability of PtCu/KetjenBlack-N, retaining >80% of the electrochemical active surface area and ~50% mass activity in ORR. The study demonstrates the key role of support modification in enhancing catalyst performance.