Activities and Stabilities of Au-Modified Stepped-Pt Single-Crystal Electrodes as Model Cathode Catalysts in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells.

The purpose of this study is to test the concept of protecting vulnerable sites on cathode catalysts in polymer electrolyte fuel cells. Pt single-crystal surfaces were modified by depositing Au atoms selectively on (100) step sites and their electrocatalytic activities for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and stabilities against potential cycles were examined. The ORR activities were raised by 70% by the Au modifications, and this rise in the activity was ascribed to enhanced local ORR activities on Pt(111) terraces by the surface Au atoms. The Au modifications also stabilized the Pt surfaces against potential cycles by protecting the low-coordinated (100) step sites from surface reorganizations. Thus, the surface modification by selective Au depositions on vulnerable sites is a promising method to enhance both the ORR activity and durability of the catalysts.