Investigation of non-precious metal cathode catalysts for direct borohydride fuel cells.

Borohydride crossover in anion exchange membrane (AEM) based direct borohydride fuel cells (DBFCs) impairs their performance and induces cathode catalyst poisoning. This study evaluates three non-precious metal catalysts, namely LaMn0.5Co0.5O3 (LMCO) perovskite, MnCo2O4 (MCS) spinel, and Fe-N-C, for their application as cathode catalysts in DBFCs. The rotating disk electrode (RDE) testing shows significant borohydride tolerance of MCS. Moreover, MCS has exhibited exceptional stability in accelerated durability tests (ADTs), with a minimal reduction of 10 mV in half-wave potential. DFT calculations further reveal that these catalysts predominantly adsorb over , unlike commercial Pt/C which preferentially adsorbs . In DBFCs, MCS can deliver a peak power density of 1.5 W cm-2, and a 3% voltage loss after a 5 hours durability test. In contrast, LMCO and Fe-N-C have exhibited significantly lower peak power density and stability. The analysis of the TEM, XRD, and XPS results before and after the single-cell stability tests suggests that the diminished stability of LMCO and Fe-N-C catalysts is due to catalyst detachment from carbon supports, resulting from the nanoparticle aggregation during the high-temperature preparation process. Such findings suggest that MCS can effectively mitigate the fuel crossover challenge inherent in DBFCs, thus enhancing its viability for practical application.

Effects of Electrostatic Force and Network Structure on the Stability of Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Catalyst Ink.

The stability of the catalyst slurry of a proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is of great significance to its large-scale production and commercialization. In this study, three kinds of slurries with different stabilities were prepared using different probe ultrasonic powers. The influence of electrostatic force and network structure on slurry stability was also studied. In addition, the catalyst layer (CL) and membrane electrode assembly (MEA) were further tested to determine the relationship between slurry stability, CL, and MEA performance. The results showed that the slurry prepared with 600 W dispersion power had the least agglomeration on day 12, which is due to the clusters in the slurry having the smallest average particle size and the largest surface area, thereby allowing them to absorb the most Nafion and have the largest electrostatic force to inhibit agglomeration. However, the slurry with 1200 W dispersion power had the least sedimentation after 9.4 days because the strength of the network structure in the slurry strengthened the most, resulting in a significant increase in viscosity and inhibition of sedimentation. Electrochemical tests showed that the MEA gradually exhibited worse electrical performance and higher impedance due to the agglomeration of catalyst particles caused by the standing process. Altogether, this study provides insights to better understand and regulate the stability of catalyst slurries.

Influence of Degassing Treatment on the Ink Properties and Performance of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells.

Degradation occurs in catalyst inks because of the catalytic oxidation of the solvent. Identification of the generation process of impurities and their effects on the properties of HSC ink and LSC ink is crucial in mitigating them. In this study, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) showed that oxidation of NPA and EA was the primary cause of impurities such as acetic acid, aldehyde, propionic acid, propanal, 1,1-dipropoxypropane, and propyl propionate. After the degassing treatment, the degradation of the HSC ink was suppressed, and the concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid, and propyl propionate plummeted from 0.0898 wt.%, 0.00224 wt.%, and 0.00046 wt.% to 0.0025 wt.%, 0.0126 wt.%, and 0.0003 wt.%, respectively. The smaller particle size and higher zeta potential in the degassed HSC ink indicated the higher utilization of Pt, thus leading to optimized mass transfer in the catalyst layer (CL) during working conditions. The electrochemical performance test result shows that the MEA fabricated from the degassed HSC ink had a peak power density of 0.84 W cm-2, which was 0.21 W cm-2 higher than that fabricated from the normal HSC ink. However, the introduction of propionic acid in the LSC ink caused the Marangoni flux to inhibit the coffee ring effect and promote the uniform deposition of the catalyst. The RDE tests indicated that the electrode deposited from the LSC ink with propionic acid possessed a mass activity of 84.4 mA∙mgPt-1, which was higher than the 60.5 mA∙mgPt-1 of the electrode deposited from the normal LSC ink.

A High-Durability Graphitic Black Pearl Supported Pt Catalyst for a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Stack.

Graphitized black pearl (GBP) 2000 supported Pt nanoparticle catalysts is synthesized by a formic acid reduction method. The results of a half-cell accelerated degradation test (ADT) of two protocols and a single-cell ADT show that, Pt/GBP catalyst has excellent stability and durability compared with commercial Pt/C. Especially, the survival time of Pt/GBP-membrane electrode assembly (MEA) reaches 205 min, indicating that it has better reversal tolerance. After the 1003-hour durability test, the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack with Pt/GBP presents a slow voltage degradation rate of 5.19% and 36 µV h-1 at 1000 mA cm-2. The durability of the stack is improved because of the durability and stability of the catalyst. In addition, the post morphology characterizations indicate that the structure and particle size of the Pt/GBP catalyst remain unchanged during the dynamic testing protocol, implying its better stability under dynamic load cycles. Therefore, Pt/GBP is a valuable and promising catalyst for PEMFC, and considered as an alternative to classical Pt/C.

A Review of the Transition Region of Membrane Electrode Assembly of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: Design, Degradation, and Mitigation.

As the core component of a proton exchange fuel cell (PEMFC), a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) consists of function region (active area), structure region, and transition region. Situated between the function and structure regions, the transition region influences the reliability and durability of the MEA. The degradation of the electrolyte membrane in this region can be induced by mechanical stress and chemical aggression. Therefore, prudent design, reliable and robust structure of the transition region can greatly help avoid early failure of MEAs. This review begins with the summarization of current structural concepts of MEAs, focusing on the transition region structures. It can be seen that aiming at better repeatability and robustness, partly or total integration of the materials in the transition region is becoming a development trend. Next the degradation problem at the transition region is introduced, which can be attributed to the hygro-thermal environment, free radical aggression, air pressure shock, and seal material decomposition. Finally, the mitigation approaches for the deterioration at this region are summarized, with a principle of avoiding the exposure of the membrane at the edge of the catalyst-coated membrane (CCM). Besides, durability test methods of the transition region are included in this review, among which temperature and humidity cycling are frequently used.

High-Performance Zinc-Air Batteries Based on Bifunctional Hierarchically Porous Nitrogen-Doped Carbon.

Active and durable bifunctional electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) on the cathode are required for high-performance rechargeable metal-air batteries. Herein, the synthesis of hierarchically porous nitrogen-doped carbon (HPNC) with bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysis for Zn-air batteries is reported. The HPNC catalyst possesses a large surface area of 1459 m2 g-1 and exhibits superior electrocatalytic activity toward ORR and OER simultaneously with a low OER/ORR overpotential of 0.62 V, taking the difference between the potential at 10 mA cm-2 for OER and half-wave potential for ORR in 0.1 m KOH. Adopting HPNC as the air cathode, primary and rechargeable Zn-air batteries are fabricated. The primary batteries demonstrate a high open-circuit potential of 1.616 V, a specific capacity of 782.7 mAh gZn -1 and a superb peak power density of 201 mW cm-2 . The rechargeable batteries can be cycled stably for over 360 cycles or 120 h at the current density of 5 mA cm-2 . As elucidated by density functional theory, N-doping is preferred on defective sites with pentagon configuration and on the edge in the form of pyridinic-N-type. The high content of these two motifs in HPNC leads to the superior ORR and OER activities, respectively.

Control of Cluster Structures in Catalyst Inks by a Dispersion Medium.

The cluster structure in the catalyst ink of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell determines its performance. The interaction among solvent, ionomer, and catalyst in ink determines the cluster structure and affects the microstructure and surface morphology of the catalyst layer, which is of great significance to improve the conductivity of the catalyst layer to protons, electrons, and water. First, the dissolved state of the main chain and the side chain of the ionomer in solvent was characterized. The results of relative viscosity, ζ-potential, effective proton fraction, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) showed that the alcohol aqueous solution promoted the stretching electrolysis of the main chain and the side chain of the ionomer more than the pure aqueous solvent, making the ionomer clusters smaller. The rheological test of the ink shows that the pure water solvent ink has the largest cluster and the strongest network structure. Under the test conditions, the clusters in the ink can be reconstructed quickly after breakage through viscous shearing. The addition of alcohols will make the clusters in the ink smaller and the network structure brittle. After the clusters and the network structure are damaged, they will slowly recombine and the viscosity in the ink will gradually recover. Ethanol will minimize the clusters in the ink, and the network structure in the ink is the weakest. The effect of the network strength on the cluster structure is weakened by reducing the solid content in the ink. The amplitude scanning test shows that the network structure in the slurry is almost eliminated after reducing the solid content, the storage modulus of ink with water, 50 wt % isopropyl alcohol (IPA), 50 wt % n-propanol (NPA), and 50 wt % ethanol (ET) decreases in turn, as well as the liquid viscosity behavior increases and the cluster particle size in the ink decreases. In conclusion, more dispersed ionomers and alcohol molecules with smaller molecular structures are more conducive to the dispersion of clusters in the ink.

Synthesis of Anti-poisoning Spinel Mn-Co-C as Cathode Catalysts for Low-Temperature Anion Exchange Membrane Direct Ammonia Fuel Cells.

Low-temperature anion exchange membrane direct ammonia fuel cells (AEM-DAFCs) have emerged as a potential power source for transportation applications with the recognition that liquid ammonia is a carbon-free hydrogen carrier and facilitates storage, refill, and distribution. However, ammonia crossover from the cell anode to cathode can decrease the fuel efficiency, drop the voltage, and poison the cathode catalysts. In this work, the Mn-Co spinel on three different carbon supports [BP2000, Vulcan XC-72R, and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)] has been successfully synthesized and demonstrated a high oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity with good ammonia tolerance. The structure and composition of the obtained Mn-Co-C catalysts were characterized by high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. All three catalysts exhibit superb ammonia tolerance, and Mn-Co-BP2000 demonstrates the highest ORR activity, even better than the commercial Pt-C in the presence of ammonia. When paired with the commercial PtIr-C anode, the Mn-Co-BP2000 cathode improved the peak power density of single cells from 100.1 mW cm-2 for the Pt-C cathode to 128.2 mW cm-2 under a 2 bar backpressure in both electrodes at 80 °C. All the results have manifested that Mn-Co-BP2000 is a good cathode catalyst for low-temperature AEM-DAFCs.

Preparation, Performance and Challenges of Catalyst Layer for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell.

In this paper, the composition, function and structure of the catalyst layer (CL) of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) are summarized. The hydrogen reduction reaction (HOR) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) processes and their mechanisms and the main interfaces of CL (PEM|CL and CL|MPL) are described briefly. The process of mass transfer (hydrogen, oxygen and water), proton and electron transfer in MEA are described in detail, including their influencing factors. The failure mechanism of CL (Pt particles, CL crack, CL flooding, etc.) and the degradation mechanism of the main components in CL are studied. On the basis of the existing problems, a structure optimization strategy for a high-performance CL is proposed. The commonly used preparation processes of CL are introduced. Based on the classical drying theory, the drying process of a wet CL is explained. Finally, the research direction and future challenges of CL are pointed out, hoping to provide a new perspective for the design and selection of CL materials and preparation equipment.

Effect of Dispersion Solvents and Ionomers on the Rheology of Catalyst Inks and Catalyst Layer Structure for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells.

This study investigated the effects of the dielectric constant (ε) of a dispersion solvent and ionomer content on the rheology of graphitized carbon (GC)-supported Pt catalyst ink and the structure of catalyst layers (CLs). The ionomer dispersions and catalyst inks were tested using rheological techniques, zeta (ξ) potential, and dynamic light scattering measurements. Results showed that increases in the solvent ε or ionomer content increased the ξ-potential of catalyst particles in the ink, which reduced the catalyst agglomerate size. Steady-state and oscillation scans showed that the Pt/GC catalyst ink had shear-thinning properties and gel-like behavior. The ink with a solvent ε of 40 tended to be more Newtonian fluid, with low yield stress (σy). The ionomer content altered the rheology of the ink by changing the internal interaction of inks. Solvents with ε of 70 and 55 enhanced the adsorption of ionomers onto catalysts, thereby increasing the adhesion between ink particles and reducing the risk of CL cracking. As the ionomer content increased, the catalyst absorbed more ionomers in inks, increasing the fracture toughness of CLs, which reduced the crack width.

Mechanism and Model for Optimizing Polytetrafluoroethylene Distribution to Improve the Electrical and Thermal Conductivity of Treated Carbon Fiber Paper in Fuel Cells.

Employing polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-treated carbon fiber paper (CFP) as the substrate of the gas diffusion layer (GDL) is a common practice to improve water management in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), but the resulting increase in electrical and thermal resistance is a critical problem that restricts the performance output of PEMFCs. Hence, studying the mechanism and prediction model for both the electrical and thermal conductivity in CFP is essential. This work established a mathematical graph theory model for CFP electrical and thermal conductivity prediction based on the observation and abstraction of the CFP characteristic structures. For the PTFE-treated CFP, the electrical and thermal conductivity of CFP can be effectively increased by optimizing the PTFE distribution in CFP. A "filter net effect" mechanism was proposed to reasonably explain PTFE distribution's influence on the CFP performance. Finally, the equivalent effect of multiple factors on conductivity was revealed using contour maps, which provides inspiration for further reducing the electrical and thermal resistance in CFP.

Long-term dynamic durability test datasets for single proton exchange membrane fuel cell.

This dataset collects the long-term dynamic durability test data and the polarization characterization test data used in our research article [1]. The dynamic durability test and the polarization characterization test of a single proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) are all performed on the Greenlight 20 test station. The European harmonized test protocol is adapted to construct the fuel cell dynamic load test cycle (FC-DLC) used in this work. The overall durability test is composed of 3076 FC-DLC cycles, around 1008 h. To access the degradation information of the test fuel cell, the polarization characterization tests are performed periodically during the durability test. In this work, the characterizations were performed at time: 0, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, and 1000 h. During the test period, G20 test station records all measured data, includes the dynamic load durability test dataset and the polarization test dataset. The output voltage degradation trend as well as the polarization curves are plotted and described in this work. This dataset provides the possibilities to study the degradation phenomenon of fuel cell operating by dynamic load cycles, moreover, this dataset can be directly used to various prediction models build for fuel cells.

Enhanced PEMFC durability with graphitized carbon black cathode catalyst supports under accelerated stress testing.

The anti-corrosion properties of the carbon substrates of cathode catalysts play a vital role in the commercialization of fuel cell vehicles. Our report reveals the enhanced durability of graphitized carbon black catalyst substrates in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), tested under simulated start-stop cycling and high potential holding conditions. Graphitized carbon treated at various temperatures is used as the support for Pt catalysts. The catalyst utilizing graphitized carbon treated at 1800 °C demonstrates superior antioxidation properties and the inhibition of Pt particle coarsening. The decay ratio of the potential at 1000 mA cm-2 has been reduced from 34.9% (commercial Pt/C) to 0.5% during high potential holding accelerated stress testing. Correspondingly, the growth of Pt particles is reduced from 0.95 nm (commercial Pt/C) to 0.08 nm; that is, the coalescence of Pt particles is effectively alleviated upon using graphitized carbon black.

The auxiliary diagnostic value of prostate-specific antigen and α-methylacyl-CoA racemase in prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common types of malignant tumor, which places a major burden on the health of men, worldwide. A prerequisite to ensure good treatment outcomes for patients with PCa is an accurate diagnosis. The present study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and α-methylacyl-CoA racemase (P504S) in PCa, using the tumor-associated immunolabels. In total, clinical data was collected from 125 patients undergoing prostate biopsy or surgery between January 2015 and September 2019, and stratified into: PCa (45), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (60) and unconfirmed diagnosis (20). Immunohistochemistry analysis was performed to assess PSA and P504S expression levels in each group compared with that in the controls (the normal tissue in each group was the internal control). The results demonstrated that the expression level of P504S was significantly higher in the PCa group compared with that in the BPH group. Furthermore, no significant association was observed in the PCa group between PSA and P504S expression levels, and the Gleason grading groups. A total of 20 unconfirmed diagnoses was verified via PSA/P504S. Taken together, the results suggest that combination PSA and P504S have a positive effect in identifying prostate cancer. However, PSA and P504S still have limitations in their diagnosis and the final results need to be carefully and comprehensively analyzed, thus further studies are required to determine their diagnostic values.

Preparation of a Graphitized-Carbon-Supported PtNi Octahedral Catalyst and Application in a Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell.

In this work, PtNi/GC octahedral nanocrystal catalysts are prepared using graphitized carbon (GC) to solve the problems of cathode catalysts in catalytic performance and proton-exchange membrane fuel cell application. The as-prepared supported catalysts exhibit well-crystallized octahedral morphologies and graphite layer structures with high corrosion resistance. Their mass activities and specific activities are 5 and 7 times higher than those of the commercial Pt/C. The sample with the best performance shows the cell voltage at 1000 mA cm-2 of 0.672 V and maximum power density of 817.6 mW cm-2 in the single-cell test, which are increased by 23 mV and 13.2 mW cm-2 compared to the control. Especially after a high potential test, the above two parameters of this sample are reduced by only 5.6 and 8.4%, which are significantly lower than the attenuation of the control fabricated using Vulcan XC-72 carbon black. The work reveals that the GC-supported PtNi octahedral catalysts can give better consideration to the improvement of electrochemical and single-cell performances.

Efficient synthesis of Pt-Co nanowires as cathode catalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cells.

A simple and efficient method was used to prepare highly active and durable carbon-supported ultrathin Pt-Co nanowires (NWs) as oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts for the cathode in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Chromium hexacarbonyl plays a significant role in making Pt and Co form an alloyed NW, which acts as both a reducing agent and a structure directing agent. The nanocrystal exhibits a uniform nanowire morphology with a diameter of 2 nm and a length of 30 nm. In half cell tests, the Pt-Co NWs/C catalyst has a mass activity of 291.4 mA mgPt -1, which is significantly better than commercial Pt/C catalysts with 85.5 mA mgPt -1. And after the accelerated durability test (ADT), Pt-Co NWs/C shows an electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) loss of 19.1% while the loss in the commercial catalyst is 41.8%. Also, the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) was prepared using Pt-Co NWs/C as the cathode catalyst, resulting in a maximum power density of 952 mW cm-2, which is higher than that of Pt/C. These results indicate that the one-dimensional structure of the catalyst prepared herein is favorable to improve the activity and durability, and the application of the catalyst in the MEA is also realized.

Endomorphin-1 analogs with oligoarginine-conjugation at C-terminus produce potent antinociception with reduced opioid tolerance in paw withdrawal test.

For clinical use, it is essential to develop potent endomorphin (EM) analogs with reduced antinociceptive tolerance. In the present study, the antinociceptive activities and tolerance development of four potent EM-1 analogs with C-terminal oligoarginine-conjugation was evaluated and compared in the radiant heat paw withdrawal test. Following intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration, all analogs 1-4 produced potent and prolonged antinociceptive effects. Notably, analogs 2 and 4 with the introduction of D-Ala in position 2 exhibited relatively higher analgesic potencies than those of analogs 1 and 3 with ß-Pro substitution, consistent with their µ-opioid binding characteristic. In addition, at a dose of 50 µmol/kg, endomorphin-1 (EM-1) failed to produce any significant antinociceptive activity after peripheral administration, whereas analogs 1-4 induced potent antinociceptive effects with an increased duration of action. Herein, our results indicated the development of antinociceptive tolerance to EM-1 and morphine at the supraspinal level on day 7. By contrast, analogs 1-4 decreased the antinociceptive tolerance. Furthermore, subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of morphine at 50 µmol/kg also developed the antinociceptive tolerance, whereas the extent of tolerance developed to analogs 1-4 was largely reduced. Especially, analog 4 exhibited non-tolerance-forming antinociception after peripheral administration. The present investigation gave the evidence that C-terminal conjugation of EM-1 with oligoarginine vector will facilitate the development of novel opioid analgesics with reduced opioid tolerance.

Electrode Materials, Electrolytes, and Challenges in Nonaqueous Lithium-Ion Capacitors.

Among the various energy-storage systems, lithium-ion capacitors (LICs) are receiving intensive attention due to their high energy density, high power density, long lifetime, and good stability. As a hybrid of lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors, LICs are composed of a battery-type electrode and a capacitor-type electrode and can potentially combine the advantages of the high energy density of batteries and the large power density of capacitors. Here, the working principle of LICs is discussed, and the recent advances in LIC electrode materials, particularly activated carbon and lithium titanate, as well as in electrolyte development are reviewed. The charge-storage mechanisms for intercalative pseudocapacitive behavior, battery behavior, and conventional pseudocapacitive behavior are classified and compared. Finally, the prospects and challenges associated with LICs are discussed. The overall aim is to provide deep insights into the LIC field for continuing research and development of second-generation energy-storage technologies.

C-terminal hydrazide modification changes the spinal antinociceptive profiles of endomorphins in mice.

Previously, we have demonstrated that endomorphins (EMs) analogs with C-terminal hydrazide modification retained the µ-opioid receptor affinity and selectivity, and exhibited potent antinociception after intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration. In the present study, we extended our studies to evaluate the antinociceptive profiles of EMs and their analogs EM-1-NHNH2, EM-2-NHNH2 given spinally in the radiant heat paw withdrawal test. Following intrathecal (i.t.) administration, EM-1, EM-2, EM-1-NHNH2 and EM-2-NHNH2 dose-dependently increased the latency for paw withdrawal response. EM-1-NHNH2 displayed the highest antinociceptive effects, with the ED50 values being 1.63 nmol, more potent than the parent EM-1 (1.96 nmol), but with no significant difference. By contrast, the analgesic activities of EM-2 and its analog EM-2-NHNH2 were almost equivalent (P>0.05). Naloxone and ß-funaltrexamine (ß-FNA) almost completely attenuated the antinociceptive effects of EMs and their analogs EM-1-NHNH2, EM-2-NHNH2 (10 nmol, i.t.), indicating the involvement of µ-opioid receptors. Notably, the antinociception of EM-1 was not significantly antagonized by naloxonazine, a selective µ1-opioid receptor antagonist, but partially reversed the effects of EM-2, suggesting that EM-1 and EM-2 may produce antinociception through distinct µ1- and µ2-opioid receptor subtypes. Moreover, naloxonazine didn't significantly block the antinociceptive effects of EM-1-NHNH2 and EM-2-NHNH2, and nor-BNI, the κ-opioid receptor antagonist, attenuated the analgesic effects of EM-2, but not EM-1, EM-1-NHNH2 or EM-2-NHNH2. These results indicated that C-terminal amide to hydrazide conversion changed the antinociceptive opioid mechanisms of EM-2 but not EM-1 at the spinal level. Herein, the acute antinociceptive tolerance were further determined and compared. EM-1-NHNH2 and EM-2-NHNH2 shifted the dose-response curve rightward by only 2.8 and 1.5-fold as determined by tolerance ratio, whereas EM-1 and EM-2 by 3.4 and 4.6-fold, respectively, indicating substantially reduced antinociceptive tolerance. The present study demonstrated that C-terminal hydrazide modification changes the spinal antinociceptive profiles of EMs.

Preparation of an octahedral PtNi/CNT catalyst and its application in high durability PEMFC cathodes.

In order to promote the application of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) in electric vehicles (EVs), it is important to improve the activity of cathode catalysts and the corrosion resistance of carbon supports under high potentials formed during transient vehicle operating conditions. An octahedral PtNi/CNT catalyst with a well-defined structure and enhanced oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance was prepared through a surfactant-assisted solvothermal method. Its mass activity and specific activity reach 5.5 and 8.5 times those of the commercial Pt/C catalyst, respectively, and its stability is also higher after durability testing. In addition, the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) fabricated using the octahedral PtNi/CNT catalyst in a cathode exhibits extremely outstanding durability under high potential, and the attenuations of its maximum power density and cell voltage at 600 mA cm-2 are only 4.8% and 3.6%, respectively, which are far below those of the control prepared with commercial Pt/C. These results demonstrate that carbon materials with a graphite structure exhibit actual application potential in the preparation of octahedral catalysts. These carbon-supported octahedral catalysts are expected to be applied in PEMFC cathodes after the materials and preparation process are further improved.