Pt nanowire electrocatalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cells

The proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) directly converts chemical energy into electricity with a high energy conversion rate, environmental friendliness, and the ability to start working quickly. The key material that determines the performance, lifetime, and cost of the PEMFC is the electrocatalyst, but the Pt catalyst used is very expensive, which is the major factor limiting the commercial use of the PEMFC. The Pt nanowire catalyst has demonstrated good performance in improving the utilization ratio of Pt, electrochemical activity, CO tolerance, and durability. This article reviewed the preparation and characterization of the Pt nanowire catalyst and its electrochemical activity. (C) 2013, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.