Recent Advances in Carbon Supported Metal Nanoparticles Preparation for Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Low Temperature Fuel Cells

Abstract

Abstract:The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is the oldest studied and most challenging of the electrochemical reactions. Due to its sluggish kinetics, ORR became the major contemporary technological hurdle for electrochemists, as it hampers the commercialization of fuel cell (FC) technologies. Downsizing the metal particles to nanoscale introduces unexpected fundamental modifications compared to the corresponding bulk state. To address these fundamental issues, various synthetic routes have been developed in order to provide more versatile carbon-supported low platinum catalysts. Consequently, the approach of using nanocatalysts may overcome the drawbacks encountered in massive materials for energy conversion. This review paper aims at summarizing the recent important advances in carbon-supported metal nanoparticles preparation from colloidal methods (microemulsion, polyol, impregnation, Bromide Anion Exchange…) as cathode material in low temperature FCs. Special attention is devoted to the correlation of the structure of the nanoparticles and their catalytic properties. The influence of the synthesis method on the electrochemical properties of the resulting catalysts is also discussed. Emphasis on analyzing data from theoretical models to address the intrinsic and specific electrocatalytic properties, depending on the synthetic method, is incorporated throughout. The synthesis process-nanomaterials structure-catalytic activity relationships highlighted herein, provide ample new rational, convenient and OPEN ACCESSCatalysts 2015, 5 311 straightforward strategies and guidelines toward more effective nanomaterials design for energy conversion.

Palladium–nickel materials as cathode electrocatalysts for alkaline fuel cells

“…This onset potential falls within the range of values reported in the literature for Pd-Ni alloys in alkaline media [35]. It also needs to be mentioned, that the onset potential for the CNFs used as supports (as shown in Figure 2SI) occurs at more negative potentials, confirming the involvement of the Pd-Ni sites in the reaction.…”

Electrocatalysis in Fuel Cells

“…Holade et al [29] and Job et al [30] summarized the recent advances in the preparation of carbon-supported nanocatalysts based on colloidal methods. The correlation between the structure of the catalysts and their activities and the effects from the synthesis methods were discussed.…”

Phosphorus and Nitrogen Dual Doped and Simultaneously Reduced Graphene Oxide with High Surface Area as Efficient Metal-Free Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction

“…However, they suffer from a number of drawbacks including the scarcity and OPEN ACCESS consequent high cost of Pt, as well as their poor durability and low tolerance to methanol crossover [2]. Accordingly, considerable effort has been devoted to developing nonprecious-metal [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] and metal-free [11][12][13][14] ORR catalysts. Among such candidates, carbon materials doped with heteroatoms have attracted a great deal of attention due to their relative cost-effectiveness, good long-term durability, and excellent tolerance to methanol crossover.…”