Insights into the performance and degradation of Ru@Pt core–shell catalysts for fuel cells by advanced (scanning) transmission electron microscopy

Ru@Pt core-shell nanoparticles are currently being explored as carbon monoxide tolerant anode catalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cells. However, little is known about their degradation under fuel cell conditions. In the present work, two types of Ru@Pt nanoparticles with nominal shell thicknesses of 1 (Ru@1Pt) and 2 (Ru@2Pt) Pt monolayers are studied as synthesized and after accelerated stress tests. These stress tests were designed to imitate the degradation occurring under fuel cell operating conditions. Our advanced (scanning) transmission electron microscopy characterization explains the superior initial electrochemical performance of Ru@1Pt. Moreover, the 3D reconstruction of the Pt shell by electron tomography reveals an incomplete shell for both samples, which results in a less stable Ru metal being exposed to an electrolyte. The degree of coverage of the Ru cores provides insights into the higher stability of Ru@2Pt during the accelerated stress tests. Our results explain how to maximize the initial performance of Ru@Pt-type catalysts, without compromising their stability under fuel cell conditions.