Heteroatom-Doped Carbon Supports with Enhanced Corrosion Resistance in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) are currently considered the most advanced fuel cell technology. However, the industrial implementation of PEMFCs is strongly hindered by deficient durability, especially that of the carbonaceous materials commonly used to support the platinum-based catalyst nanoparticles, which are prone to electrochemical corrosion at the cathode, resulting in a serious performance loss of the entire cell. In the attempt to overcome this issue, many research groups have tried to introduce heteroatoms (N, S, B, P) into the carbon lattice, thus trying to make the electrode corrosion-resistant. Newly developed heteroatom-doped carbons were subjected to corrosion tests in half-cell and single-cell systems to evaluate their stability. This paper reviews the recent studies devoted to corrosion research of heteroatom-doped carbon supports for Pt-based catalysts in PEMFCs. In particular, an overview on N, B, and S dopants and their effects on carbon corrosion is provided.

Automated summary

Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) are hindered by the deficient durability of carbonaceous materials used to support platinum-based catalysts, resulting in electrochemical corrosion and performance loss. Many research groups have investigated heteroatom-doped carbons to improve corrosion resistance. This paper reviews recent studies on heteroatom-doped carbon supports, specifically N, B, and S dopants, and their effects on carbon corrosion in PEMFCs.