Advancements in Noble Metal-Decorated Porous Carbon Nanoarchitectures: Key Catalysts for Direct Liquid Fuel Cells

Abstract

Noble-metal nanocrystals have emerged as essential electrode materials for catalytic oxidation of organic small molecule fuels in direct liquid fuel cells (DLFCs). However, for large-scale commercialization of DLFCs, adopting cost-effective techniques and optimizing their structures using advanced matrices are crucial. Notably, noble metaldecorated porous carbon nanoarchitectures exhibit exceptional electrocatalytic performances owing to their three-dimensional cross-linked porous networks, large accessible surface areas, homogeneous dispersion (of noble metals), reliable structural stability, and outstanding electrical conductivity. Consequently, they can be utilized to develop nextgeneration anode catalysts for DLFCs. Considering the recent expeditious advancements in this field, this comprehensive review provides an overview of the current progress in noble metal-decorated porous carbon nanoarchitectures. This paper meticulously outlines the associated synthetic strategies, precise microstructure regulation techniques, and their application in electrooxidation of small organic molecules. Furthermore, the review highlights the research challenges and future opportunities in this prospective research field, offering valuable insights for both researchers and industry experts.

Interconnected Pd Nanowire Networks Stereoassembled on Biomass-Derived Porous Carbon Skeletons as Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Efficient Methanol and Formic Acid Oxidation

“…Over the past few decades, the massive consumption of fossil fuels and deteriorating ecological environment have brought a series of negative impacts on the sustainable development of human society, which highlights the importance of exploring various green energy-generation and -conversion technologies. − Among them, direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) and direct formic acid fuel cells (DFAFCs) have been regarded as potential candidates for the next-generation power sources with the merits of high energy transforming efficiency, low greenhouse gas emissions, facile power system integration, suitable operating temperature range, and easy storage and transportation of liquid fuels. − Nonetheless, there are still some obstacles that need to be overcome on the road to the successful commercial application of DMFCs and DFAFCs, including the sluggish anodic reaction kinetics and short service lives. − Given this, the design and construction of advanced anode catalysts are essential to the performance improvement of DMFCs and DFAFCs, which have become a research hotspot in the electrocatalysis field. − …”