Assess the stability of Pt NPs supported on MO2/C (M = Ce, Zr, Sn) electrocatalysts during realistic operando oxygen reduction reactions at

A promising class of catalysts for O2 reduction in Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cells is Pt nanoparticles (NPs) loaded on metal oxides (MOx)- carbon(C) supports. This research explores Pt NPs on MOx, such as CeO2, ZrO2, and SnO2, and carbon supports to enhance ORR activity and corrosion resistance. A commercially available electrochemical half-cell will be adopted to perform operando combined small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering measurements (SAXS /WAXTS) during accelerated stress tests. Data analysis through the DSE method will provide a detailed morphological and structural characterization of the catalysts. The results, will allow us to model the Pt and MOx particle evolution, under the effect of the applied potential mode, in terms of particle dimension, shape, strain, crystallinity, oxide stability, alloy formation, and metal leaching, leading to an in-depth comprehension of the mechanisms regulating the activity and durability of this promising class of materials.