Black phosphorus nanodots-modified Pt/C electrocatalyst for methanol-tolerant oxygen reduction in direct methanol fuel cells

Designing advanced electrocatalysts with high methanol tolerance in the oxygen reduction reaction process is crucial for the sustainable implementation of direct methanol fuel cells. Herein, we present a Pt/C catalyst modified with black phosphorus (BP) nanodots (BPNDs-Pt/C) by using a facile ultrasonic mixing method. Experimental and computational investigations reveal that the electron transfer from BP to Pt leads to weak adsorption of hydroxyl groups on the Pt surface. As a result, the BPNDs-Pt/C catalyst exhibits efficient activity and anti-methanol ability for cathodic oxygen reduction electrocatalysis in an acidic medium. Additionally, it demonstrates high activity for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in an alternative alkaline system with cation exchange membrane and eliminable methanol penetration. This work highlights the feasibility of using non-metallic elements to regulate the electronic structure and surface properties of Pt-based nanomaterials. Furthermore, the designed BPNDs-Pt/C electrocatalyst, with controllable ORR performance, can be applied across various scenarios based on demand.

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