Research Progress of Electrochemical Dealloying for Tuning Microstructures of Pt-based Nanocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Pt-based nanostructured catalysts are the most promising oxygen reduction catalysts for the cathodes of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) due to their high catalytic activity. Electrochemical dealloying, with the advantages of simplicity and low cost, is one of the effective methods to optimize Pt-based catalysts by modulating the surface structure of the catalysts and thus enhancing the catalytic performance. This review outlined recent advances in the application of electrochemical dealloying techniques to optimize the microstructure of Pt-based catalysts. First, the mechanism of electrochemical dealloying for Pt-based catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction was summarized. Second, the application of electrochemical dealloying was summarized from two aspects: the impact on different nanocatalysts (composition, particle size and exposed facets) and the impact of electrochemical dealloying conditions (potential, scan rate and atmosphere). Challenges and opportunities for further development of this field were also discussed.