Constructing inter-diffusive PtCuNi/WO₃ interface to enhance the catalytic activity and stability in oxygen reduction

Platinum-group-metal-based alloy nanocrystals have been considered as the most efficient catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, the poor stability issues limit their further deployment in industrialization. Tungsten oxide (WO₃) has received attention due to its intrinsic electrochemical stability and proton absorption/desorption capability. In this work, we prepared PtCuNi/WO₃/C hybrid catalyst with inter-diffusive alloy/WO₃ interface on carbon. The catalyst exhibits enhanced activity and stability associated with the WO₃ content. The characterization results suggest that the increased activity originates from the complementary proton supply of non-stoichiometric H_xWO₃. Moreover, WO₃ prevents the particle from dissolution and detachment under vigorous electrochemical polarizations. The enhanced stability originates from the electronic interaction established between Pt and W. This work provides new strategies to design high-performance ORR catalysts by taking the merits of WO₃.