Pt-Ru electrocatalysts for fuel cells: developments in the last decade

Reviewed herein are recent advances in the synthesis and performance of Pt-Ru electrocatalysts, including core-shell-like, for anodes in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) and in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEMFCs) employing reformate gas. Model systems allowing for a better understanding of composition-property and structure-property relationships, in particular of their CO-tolerance and degradation mechanisms, as well as opportunities for innovative syntheses, support optimization, and durability improvements are discussed. Some other new electrocatalysts for DMFC and PEMFC anodes are compared with Pt-Ru systems.