Timing Is Everything

Can we boost fuel cell performance by simply tweaking how long we cook the catalyst? Turns out-  yes.

A new study led by David Zitoun explores how time-controlled synthesis can dramatically shape the performance and durability of platinum-copper (PtCu) catalysts used in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs).

By precisely adjusting the solvothermal synthesis duration, from 3 to 72 hours, the team engineered octahedral PtCu nanoparticles with tunable platinum "skin" thickness. Why does that matter?

The sweet spot was found at 24-48 hours. These nanoparticles showed:

·Specific activities over 2.18 mA/cm² and mass activities of 1.23 A/mgPt after 10,000 cycles, well above DOE 2025 targets.
·Improved resistance to degradation thanks to a robust Pt-rich shell that protects the Cu core.

📈 What’s impressive is that this performance boost came without exotic materials or complex processing, just smart timing during synthesis.

This work not only advances ORR catalyst design but offers a scalable pathway to reduce platinum usage, cut costs, and extend fuel cell life.

Kudos to Melina Zysler, Valeria Yarmiayev, Fatima Zorro, Enrique Carbo-Argibay, Paulo J. Ferreira, and David Zitoun for this contribution to sustainable energy tech.