Advanced catalyst supports for PEM fuel cell cathodes

Abstract

Electrocatalyst support materials are key components for polymer exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, which play a critical role in determining electrocatalyst durability and activity, mass transfer and water management. The commonly-used supports, e.g. porous carbon black, cannot meet all the requirements under the harsh operation condition of PEM fuel cells. Great efforts have been made in the last few years in developing alternative support materials. In this paper, we selectively review recent progress on three types of important support materials: carbon, non-carbon and hybrid carbon-oxides nanocomposites. A perspective on future R&D of electrocatalyst support materials is also provided.

Recent advances in hybrid support material for Pt‐based electrocatalysts of proton exchange membrane fuel cells

“…For instance, CBs can be combined with the metal oxides to utilize the combined benefits of highly stable metal oxides and highly conducive CBs. The main attributes associated with such hybrid materials are higher corrosion resistance, better metal support interactions, and improved hydrophilicty (which may counter water management issues) accompanied with higher electrical conductivity . For example, Han et al investigated a hybrid support consisting of carbon and ruthenium oxide.…”

Nonprecious metal's graphene‐supported electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction: Fundamentals to applications

“…In addition, innumerable kinds of electrocatalyst supports have been designed in the last decades, for example, graphene, nanocarbon materials, carbon black, and polymers, and so forth owing to their abundant reserves and promising electrolytic performance . Among the various supporting materials, graphene is one of the most attractive support used for electrocatalysts.…”

Highly Dispersed Cu−NX Moieties Embedded in Graphene: A Promising Electrocatalyst towards the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

“…Polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) have been emerging as the next generation energy conversion device in terms of their high energy density and environmental friendliness. The sluggish kinetics and harsh operations of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at cathodes require more active and stable electrocatalysts ,. However, the widely‐accepted Pt based ORR catalysts are significantly limited by the scarce resources, high cost, insufficient stability and weak methanol tolerance for particularly direct methanol fuel cells .…”