This study aimed to develop high-performance, ultra-low Pt-loading 2.1 wt% vs. 20 wt% for commercial Pt/C) oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts. Utilizing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as templates, a PANI layer was coated onto the surface to serve as a nitrogen-doped anchoring layer for metal species. Physical and structural characterizations demonstrated that the PANI-derived nitrogen-doped carbon layer uniformly encapsulates the CNT skeleton. This architecture not only achieved highly uniform Pt nanoparticle dispersion but also induced strong metal–support electronic interactions via deep-seated Ni atoms, effectively optimizing the electronic structure of the surface Pt. Electrochemical results showed that Pt/Ni-N-CNT delivers superior ORR activity in an acidic electrolyte, with a half-wave potential of 0.846 V (vs. RHE) and limiting diffusion current density outperforming commercial Pt/C (0.81 V vs. RHE), demonstrating excellent oxygen reduction kinetics.
Xia et al. (2026) studied this question.