Bimetallic carbide nanocomposite enhanced Pt catalyst with high activity and stability for the oxygen reduction reaction

Nanocomposites consisting of the bimetallic carbide Co(6)Mo(6)C(2) supported on graphitic carbon ((g)C) were synthesized in situ by an anion-exchange method for the first time. The Co(6)Mo(6)C(2)/(g)C nanocomposites were not only chemically stable but also electrochemically stable. The catalyst prepared by loading Pt nanoparticles onto Co(6)Mo(6)C(2)/(g)C was evaluated for the oxygen reduction reaction in acidic solution and showed superior activity and stability in comparison with commercial Pt/C. The higher mass activity of the Pt-Co(6)Mo(6)C(2)/(g)C catalyst indicated that less Pt would be required for the same performance, which in turn would reduce the cost of the fuel cell electrocatalyst. The method reported here will promote broader interest in the further development of other nanostructured materials for real-world applications.