The dual-modulated electronic structure of Pt coupled with robust FeN bonds confers PtFe3N anti-perovskite with exceptional oxygen reduction reaction performance with long-term durability

Achieving high activity and stability while reducing Pt loading remains a major challenge in developing cathode oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts for H 2 /air fuel cell. Here, a novel low-Pt intermetallic nitride catalyst (PtFe 3 N) consisting of a strained Pt shell and an antiperovskite-type PtFe 3 N core on a confinement-effect carbon support are synthesized via an initial impregnation-co-reduction strategy. The MEA with PtFe 3 N/DMC as cathode yields a current density of 1370 mA cm −2 at 0.6 V and maximum power density of 0.92 W cm −2 , significantly outperforming that of Pt/C benchmark (1170 mA cm −2 and 0.79 W cm −2 ). Besides, the PtFe 3 N/DMC enabled MEA has a lower performance decay rate (1.9%) compared to the MEA with Pt/C (48.2%). EXAFS, XPS and DFT calculations jointly support that the cooperative strain effects induced by Fe and N endows PtFe 3 N with an optimal Pt d-band center position and accelerated kinetics. Furthermore, the introduction of N elements promoted the strong metal-N interactions, which effectively suppress Fe dissolution and significantly improve the ORR durability under operating conditions. This work provides a novel strategy for low-Pt intermetallic to enhance the corrosion resistance of 3d transition metals and to improve the ORR activity.