Temperature‐Induced Interface Hybridization of WC Boosts NiCu Activity for Alkaline Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction

Abstract

AbstractThe development of non‐precious hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) catalysts is a major challenge for the commercialization of Pt‐free fuel cells. Herein, a temperature‐induced phase hybridization method is reported that greatly improves the catalytic performance of NiCu alloy for the HOR. The migration of W atoms hybridizes the interface of tungsten oxide (WOx) and tungsten carbide (WC) at the onset reduction temperature of WOx, leading to a greatly weakened H binding energy and an optimized OH binding energy, which endows NiCuW/WOx‐WC@WC with favorable stability and CO resistance during HOR. The hybridization catalysts deliver a high mass activity of 29.37 mA mg−1Ni and reach a peak power of 298 mW.cm−2 in H2‐O2 anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs).