A catalyst alloying platinum with a rare earth element could slash fuel cell costs

https://phys.org/news/2022-10-catalyst-alloying-platinum-rare-earth.html

"readily available lanthanum salts and trimesic acid, self-assembled themselves into nano-scale "rods." These nanorods were then impregnated with platinum at 900°C. This very high temperature is necessary to ensure a smooth process of alloying the two metals. The resultant platinum-lanthanum nanoparticles were then stress-tested for their performance in a fuel cell. The alloy electrocatalyst surpassed the researchers' expectations, delivering superior stability and activity even after 30,000 fuel-cell cycles"

Related:

New study reveals remarkable impact of intrinsic spin shielding in platinum-rare earth alloys on electrocatalysis

https://phys.org/news/2023-07-reveals-remarkable-impact-intrinsic-shielding.html

Researchers develop fast and energy-saving synthesis method for new electrocatalysts

https://phys.org/news/2023-12-fast-energy-saving-synthesis-method-electrocatalysts.html