TePtFe Nanotubes as High-Performing Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction and Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Currently, a multicomponent platinum-based alloy has been applied as a promising electrocatalyst to improve catalysis and lower the usage of the noble metal platinum. Herein, a tellurium nanowire (NW)-derived ternary TePtFe nanotube (NT) electrocatalyst has been prepared by the Kirkendall effect. The TePtFe NT formed consists of small single-crystal nanoparticles and voids with an open-end and hollow structure. The TePtFe NT electrocatalyst presents an impressive catalytic activity and stability for both the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Its ORR specific activity and mass activity are 8.5 and 2.4 times, respectively, improved relative to those of commercial platinum catalysts. It is also impressive that, for the HER, a very low overpotential of 28.1 mV at 10 mA cm⁻² can be achieved; this is lower than that of platinum (51.8 mV) catalysts in 0.1 m HClO₄, and the activity is improved, even after 5000 cycles. This work reveals that TePtFe NTs can be employed as nanocatalysts with an impressive catalytic activity and stability for application in fuel cells and hydrogen production.