Seed-mediated synthesis of Pt-PdPtFe Trimetallic Heterostructures and their high-efficiency application in ethylene glycol and glycerol oxidation reaction

Strong electronic interactions at the heterojunction interfaces of heterostructured catalysts can effectively regulate the electronic structure, optimize the adsorption of reactants and intermediates, and enhance the electrooxidation of alcohols. Due to this unique structural advantage, heterostructured catalysts are widely utilized as anode catalysts for alcohol fuel cells. However, the controlled synthesis of ternary metal heterostructures remains a significant challenge. In this study, we successfully synthesized Pt-PdPtFe ternary metal hetero-nanosheets (HNSs) using a seed-mediated method. The synergistic effects of the three metals, along with the strain effect at the heterojunction interface, contribute to the enhanced alcohol oxidation performance of Pt-PdPtFe HNSs compared to commercial Pd/C and numerous previously reported advanced catalysts. The mass activities for ethylene glycol oxidation reaction (EGOR) and glycerol oxidation reaction (GOR) are 9.77 A mg Pd+Pt −1 and 6.04 A mg Pd+Pt −1 , respectively. Furthermore, CO stripping tests and durability tests indicate that Pt-PdPtFe HNSs exhibit excellent anti-poisoning ability and cyclic stability. This research presents a viable strategy for the controlled synthesis of ternary metal heterostructures, while also offering valuable insights into the rational design of high-performance electrocatalysts.