New insights into the oxygen reduction reaction mechanism on Pt (111): A detailed electrochemical study

Abstract

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is undoubtedly the most important fuel-cell cathodic reaction. In this work, a detailed electrochemical analysis of the ORR on Pt (111) in nonadsorbing electrolytes was performed, which included the high-potential region Eup=1.15 V while ensuring the electrode surface structure stability. Our results suggest that the reduction of a soluble intermediate species formed during the ORR is the rate-determining step in the whole reaction mechanism. This species does not undergo any other electrochemical reaction at E>0.9 V and may accumulate close to the electrode surface. Together with dissolved O2, this intermediate may modify the oxide-growth dynamics on Pt (111). Hence, both species interact with the electrode surface through complex catalytic networks. Under certain experimental conditions, oxygenated species from the oxidation of Pt (111) may enhance the overall ORR current. These results propose an alternative to explain the current state of the art for this fundamental process. A radical idea! The oxygen reduction reaction on Pt (111) in the high potential region is not inhibited by the initial oxidized surface states. Instead, the reduction of a soluble intermediate species apparently is the rate determining step. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

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