Loading Pt onto layered Ti3C2 MXene to become an efficient and stable fuel cell catalyst

Abstract

In this paper, a distinctive two-dimensional layered material, MXene, was acquired by etching MAX phase material with HF, which possesses excellent electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance. Employing MXene as the carrier, Pt nanoparticles were successfully loaded onto Ti₃C₂ MXene through the glycol condensation reduction approach. This method features controllable conditions, high efficiency, and environmental friendliness. The fabricated Pt/Ti₃C₂ MXene exhibits outstanding electrochemical activity and remarkable cycling stability, addressing the issues of facile corrosion and poor stability encountered by traditional Pt/C. The electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) of Pt/Ti₃C₂ MXene was determined to be 87.6 m²/g via cyclic voltammetry testing. In the accelerated degradation experiment, after 10,000 cycles, the activity of Ti₃C₂ MXene decreased by merely 9.8%, while that of Pt/C declined by 25.2%. This disparity can be attributed to Ti₃C₂ MXene unique layered structure, high electrical conductivity, and other favorable physicochemical properties. It not only demonstrates that Ti₃C₂ MXene is an excellent catalyst carrier but also fully substantiates that Pt/Ti₃C₂ MXene holds greater advantages over traditional Pt/C. Hence, Pt/Ti₃C₂ MXene has substantial potential as a fuel cell catalyst.