In-situ XAS investigation on degradation mechanism of high-loaded ordered L12-Pt3V catalyst for PEM fuel cell cathode

The moderate durability intermetallic (ordered) PtM bimetallic nanoparticles (e.g. M = Co, Ni) is still a grand obstacle against their commercialization into proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) due to significant leaching of less acid-resistant metals under the corrosive conditions. We developed a highly ordered ~50 wt% Pt3V catalyst supported on carbon synthesized by introducing Zn as dopant resulting in enhanced ORR activity and stability compared to the disordered Pt3V. Nevertheless, the explanation of the enhanced stability shown in RDE and MEA for Zn-doped Pt3V still remains unclear and requires in-situ method to monitor the essential indicators of catalyst stability such as oxidation state, coordination number and bond length of M-M and M-O (M = Pt or V) etc.