Platinum loaded on dual-doped TiO2 as an active and durable oxygen reduction reaction catalyst

In this work, dual-doped TiO2 was successfully synthesized by using tungsten or niobium as the cation and nitrogen as the anion and, as compared with single-doped TiO2, provided a higher electron conductivity and improved physical properties. Platinum (Pt) nanoparticles loaded on these materials showed better electrochemical performance, and the Pt/Ti0.9Nb0.1NxOy and Pt/Ti0.8W0.2NxOy catalysts were 2.6–3.7 times more active than the Pt/Ti0.9Nb0.1Oy and Pt/Ti0.8W0.2Oy catalysts without nitrogen doping. Additionally, there was an activity loss of 22.9% as compared with 81% in Pt/C after 30 000 cyclic voltammetry cycles, a value exceeding the US Department of Energy (DOE) stability target. Dual doping not only enhances the electron conductivity but also changes the electronic state of Pt on the support materials, thus allowing for more active and stable catalysts. Both X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and density functional theory (DFT) studies were undertaken to demonstrate how defect formation affects the interactions between Pt and the single- or dual-doped TiO2 supports and manipulates the physical and chemical properties of the resulting catalysts. Thus, these catalytic supports are strong candidates for proton exchange membrane fuel cell applications. Sticking platinum catalysts to a conductive form of titanium oxide boosts activity and minimizes corrosion in fuel cells. To ensure optimal catalytic activity, fuel cell researchers typically support platinum nanoparticles on porous materials such as activated carbon. Now, Bing-Joe Hwang from National Taiwan University of Science and Technology and co-workers have developed a support that taps into platinum's electronic states to realize faster oxygen reduction. Using a pressurized hydrothermal technique, they synthesized titanium dioxide containing two dopants: a nitrogen anion and a cationic metal such as tungsten. The doubly doped material transferred electrons to platinum nanoparticles and created defect sites that enhanced catalyst stability, such that 80% of the initial activity was retained after 30,000 operation cycles. In contrast, conventional carbon–platinum supports would normally degrade under the same conditions. Dual-ion doping: Through theoretical and experimental methods, we determined that dual-doped TiO2 has a much higher electron conductivity than that of single-doped TiO2, and more Pt occupies the defect sites of dual-doped TiO2. Pt on this dual-doped support is almost three times more active than Pt on single-doped TiO2 and is more stable than Pt on carbon.