One-pot synthesis of platinum-based nanoparticles incorporated into mesoporous niobium oxide-carbon composites for fuel cell electrodes.

Catalyst-electrode design is crucial for the commercialization and widespread use of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. There are considerable challenges in making less expensive, more durable, and more active catalysts. Herein, we report the one-pot synthesis of Pt and Pt-Pb nanoparticles incorporated into the pores of mesoporous niobium oxide-carbon composites. The self-assembly of block copolymers with niobium oxide and metal precursors results in an ordered mesostructured hybrid. Appropriate heat treatment of this hybrid produces highly crystalline, well-ordered mesoporous niobium oxide-carbon composites with Pt (or Pt-Pb) nanoparticles incorporated into the mesopores. The in situ-generated graphitic-like carbon material prevents the collapse of the mesostructure, while the metal oxide crystallizes at high temperatures and enhances the electrical conductivity of the final material. Formic acid electrooxidation with this novel material shows 4 times higher mass activities (3.3 mA/microg) and somewhat lower onset potentials (-0.24 V vs Ag/AgCl) than the best previously reported values employing Pt-Pb intermetallic nanoparticles supported on conducting carbon (0.85 mA/microg and -0.18 V, respectively).