Bimetallic PdPt with Pt-Shell porous nanotubes for efficient oxygen reduction electrocatalysis

One-dimensional (1D) Pt-based nanotubes (NTs) are widely studied as a promising class of ORR electrocatalysts. A rational porosity for wall of nanotubes could lead to higher atomic utilization and better mass transportation. To confirm this speculation, we prepare a novel class of PdPt porous nanotubes with sub-nano Pt-shell. Their ESCA of 95 m2 g−1 and mass activity of 2.29 A mgPt−1 are distinctly greater than that of the Pt nanotubes with perfect wall (91.45 m2 g−1 and 2.09 A mgPt−1), and are 14.3 and 9.6 times higher than those of commercial benchmark Pt/C catalyst, respectively. The prolonged electrocatalytic durability is also shown. The improved performance can be ascribed to a combination of alloying and unique geometry (one dimension and nanotubes with porous walls).