Design of PGM-free cathodic catalyst layers for advanced PEM fuel cells

Controllable construction of Pt/CNT catalyst layers to improve Pt utilization in PEMFCs

“…To address the predicaments confronting PEMFCs, extensive work has focused on investigating the catalyst layer (CL) and catalyst structure of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). [5][6][7] The CL, where the electrochemical reaction occurs, is considered the core component of fuel cells, dominating the electrochemical reaction rate and mass transfer efficiency, thereby seriously affecting the fuel cell performance. [8][9][10] To promote fuel cell performance and improve the catalyst utilization rate, the orientated CL structure has been proposed and signicant progress has been made based on different materials, including Pt nanowire arrays, 11,12 carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays, 2,13,14 metal oxide nanorod arrays, [15][16][17] etc., providing ordered electron, proton, and gas transport channels, to reduce mass transfer resistance and avoid water ooding.…”

Cutting-edge methods for amplifying the oxygen evolution reaction during seawater electrolysis: a brief synopsis

“…1–4 Green hydrogen (H 2 ), produced from water electrolysis using renewable energy sources ( e.g. , wind, solar, and tide), accomplished with high-efficiency fuel cells, 5–7 has been recognized as a promising alternative to fossil fuels because of its high energy density and free pollution. 8–15 Water distribution issues may arise if vast amounts of purified water are used for water splitting to mitigate the global energy crisis.…”

Spectroscopic Characterization of Highly Active Fe–N–C Oxygen Reduction Catalysts and Discovery of Strong Interaction with Nafion Ionomer

“…Toward this goal, metal–nitrogen-doped carbon (M–N-C) electrocatalysts have been developed and have shown the most promising ORR activity and reasonable stability under the acidic environments desirable for PEMFCs. ,− The M component is usually referred to as Earth-abundant Fe or Co, and the atomically dispersed M moieties are coordinated with nitrogen atoms ( e.g. , Fe–N 4 ) as the recognized most active sites toward ORR .…”

“…Platinum (Pt) group metals (PGMs) are state-of-the-art electrocatalysts for HOR and ORR. Unfortunately, the high overall stack cost is the predominant factor limiting the large-scale deployment of PEMFCs, − and PGMs are the main stack cost contributoraround 46%due to their high cost and limited reserve . The ORR at the cathode is inherently more sluggish by 6 orders of magnitude compared to the HOR at the anode, and thus, it requires higher PGM utilization contributing significantly to the cost .…”