Single-atom Ce synergizes icosahedral Pt₂Ce nanoparticles to promote performance enhancement for zinc–air batteries

Precious metals play an indispensable role in the development of fuel cells. Controlling the amount of noble metals added while enhancing catalytic activity and durability is of critical importance. Herein, we successfully proposed a method that utilized the synergistic effects of Pt-based nanoparticles and CeNC to enhance the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance. Due to the presence of CeNC, the dispersion of Pt-based nanoparticles improved, enabling the reduction of particle size (2–3 nm). The prepared Pt₂Ce alloy nanoparticles exhibited an icosahedral structure. Pt₂Ce/CeNC-600 exhibited excellent performance in acidic electrolytes, with a half-wave potential (E_1/2) measured at 0.81 V. When Pt₂Ce/CeNC-600 was applied to zinc–air batteries (ZABs), a power density of 184 mW cm⁻² was achieved during discharge. Theoretical calculations showed that electrons are transferred from CeNC to Pt₂Ce in Pt₂Ce/CeNC-600, indicating the presence of electron interactions and superior charge transfer ability. In addition, the energy barrier in the reaction was reduced because of the coexistence of Pt₂Ce and CeNC, making it easier for the reactants to reach the transition state and significantly accelerating the reaction rate. This study provides a clear path for the structural control of advanced electrochemical materials.