Rational design of platinum‐cobalt alloy nanocrystals through morphology, composition, and surface engineering
Daeun Kim, Selim Park, Saehyun Park, Joyjit Kundu, Sang‐Il ChoiAbstract
The design of Pt‐based electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) requires enhancing both catalytic activity and durability. Although Pt–Co alloy nanocrystals have emerged as one of the most effective ORR catalysts, further improvements require systematic control over their morphology, composition, and surface structure. In this Account, we summarize our group's efforts toward the rational design of Pt–Co alloy nanocrystals through these complementary strategies. Morphology engineering from 0D to 3D, composition design identifying Pt 3 Co as the optimal alloy, and surface engineering via controlled Pt‐skin formation to suppress grain‐boundary‐induced Co leaching collectively establish a coherent design framework for highly active and durable Pt–Co electrocatalysts for PEMFC applications.