Evaluating electrocatalytic activities of Pt, Pd, Au and Ag-based catalyst on PEMFC performance: A review

Abstract

This comprehensive review article highlights recent advancements of Pt and Pd-based electrocatalysts, covering Pt and Pd alloys, Pt-M and Pd-M core-shell structures, nanosize/nanostructure effects, addition of support material, doping effects, and post-treatment for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) in Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Additionally, it delves into other precious metals such as Gold (Au) and Silver (Ag) for ORR and HOR in PEMFC. The role and contribution of incorporating other elements or materials such as metal oxides, metal carbides, transition metal oxides, carbon support, and non-carbon support are thoroughly discussed. The most promising methods are also described, with a special emphasis on narrow particle size, nanostructure, and low loading of novel Pt- and Pd-based catalysts. Furthermore, the advantages and shortcomings of these catalysts for electrocatalysis are analyzed, along with the influence of the nanostructure and morphology of the electrocatalyst materials on electrochemical performance.