Recent progress of electrocatalysts for hydrogen proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Due to stringent environmental regulations and the limited resources of fossil-based fuels, there is an urgent demand for clean and eco-friendly energy conversion devices. These criteria appear to be met by hydrogen proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). PEMFCs have attracted tremendous attention on account of their excellent performance with tunable operability and good portability. Nonetheless, their practical applications are hugely influenced by the scarcity and high cost of platinum (Pt) used as electrocatalysts at both cathode and anode. Pt is also susceptible to easy catalyst poisoning. Herein, this paper reviews the progress of the research regarding the development of electrocatalysts practically used in hydrogen PEMFCs, where the corner-stone reactions are cathodic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and anodic hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR). To reduce the costs of PEMFCs, lessening or eliminating the use of Pt is of prime importance. For current and forthcoming laboratory/large-scale PEMFCs, there is much interest in developing substitute catalysts based on cheaper materials. As such are non-platinum (non-Pt), nonplatinum group metals (non-PGMs), metal oxides, and non-metal electrocatalysts. Hence, high-performance, state-of-the-art, and novel structured electrocatalysts as replacements for Pt are needed. (c) 2021 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC.Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The demand for clean and eco-friendly energy conversion devices is urgent due to strict environmental regulations and limited fossil-based fuel resources. Hydrogen proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) appear to meet these criteria. However, the practical applications of PEMFCs are greatly influenced by the scarcity and high cost of platinum (Pt) used as electrocatalysts, as well as the susceptibility of Pt to catalyst poisoning. Therefore, the development of alternative electrocatalysts that can replace Pt is of prime importance.