Perspectives on carbon-alternative materials as Pt catalyst supports for a durable oxygen reduction reaction in proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Abstract

Platinum (Pt) supported on carbon has been used as a state-of-the-art material as an electrocatalyst in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Nonetheless, the carbon corrosion issues that occur during fuel cell operations shorten the electrode lifespan. More corrosive resistance carbon-free materials with a high electrical conductivity have been searched. This review provides a perspective on the carbon-alternative Pt support materials with the most potential based on the literature over the last five years. This evaluation was performed by considering the material selection and synthesis strategies regarding two key parameters of oxygen reduction reaction: mass activity and durability. The durability protocols used in the respective works were critically reviewed to provide a more accurate comparison and analysis. Future directions towards the development of carbon-alternative Pt catalyst support materials are highlighted, including strategies to develop highly porous support materials, deposition of ultrafine Pt nanoparticles, and identify suitable dopants and composites for catalyst supports. Emerging materials, such as porous boron nitride and MXene, have shed light on new support materials with promising results. Finally, this work suggests the need for more systematic durability analysis protocols and single-cell performance studies on newly developed materials to ensure their feasibility and sustainable use in PEMFCs.