This invention discloses a method for preparing a cross-shaped nanostructured PtCu
alloy catalyst and its application, belonging to the field of electrocatalysis and fuel
cell technology. The method involves sequentially adding an
aqueous solution of
chloroplatinic acid and a
copper chloride solution to a reaction vessel, followed by the addition of a
reducing agent and a dispersant. The mixture is then fully dissolved by
ultrasound and stirring, and after homogenization, heated under an
inert atmosphere. After the reaction, the catalyst is centrifuged, washed, and freeze-dried to obtain a PtCu
alloy catalyst with a cross-shaped
nanostructure. This invention uses an aqueous phase
system, avoiding the use of macromolecular organic solvents, thus fundamentally solving the problems of the synthesized product being easily encapsulated by
organic matter and the active sites being difficult to
expose in traditional methods. Furthermore, the nanostructured catalyst obtained through aqueous
phase synthesis has a clean surface, allowing for full
exposure of the catalytic active centers and effective contact with the reactants, thereby significantly improving the electrocatalytic performance of the catalyst.