Advanced nanostructure Ti0.7In0.3O2 support enhances electron transfer to Pt: Used as high performance catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction

The slow rate of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the instability of Pt based catalysts are two of the most important issues which must be solved in order to make proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) a reality. Here, we present a new approach by exploring robust non-carbon Ti0.7In0.3O2 used as a novel functionalised co-catalytic support for Pt. This approach is based on the novel nanostructure Ti0.7In0.3O2 support with electronic transfer mechanism from Ti0.7In0.3O2 to Pt that can modify surface electronic structure of Pt, owing to a shift in the d-band centre of the surface Pt atoms. The 20wt% Pt/Ti0.7In0.3O2 catalyst shows high activity than that of that of the commercial 20wt% Pt/C (E-TEK). Our data suggest this enhancement is a result of both the electronic structure change of Pt upon its synergistic interaction with Ti0.7In0.3O2 and the inherent structural and chemical stability and the corrosion-resistance of the Ti0.7In0.3O2 in acidic and oxidative environments.