Synergistic Supports Beyond Carbon Black for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Anodes

Abstract

AbstractPolymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) are among the most advanced energy technologies with low operating temperatures, high energy densities, ease of transportation and storage. However, the deficiencies such as low activity and high cost of the electrocatalysts at anodes greatly hinder their commercialization. The commonly used carbon black supports lack the capacity of regulation over the supported noble metals towards efficient electro‐catalytic oxidation of fuels. In this Mini‐Review, the prerequisite factors in advanced supports are outlined, ranging from self‐supported precious metal alloys as well as non‐noble metal materials, while simultaneously revealing the superiorities of some advanced supports beyond carbon black in terms of electronic conductivity, synergy with surface precious metals, chemical and electrochemical stability, and other possible interactions. The effects arisen from microscopic morphology, nano‐structure, and composition on the electrocatalytic activity/stability are also discussed. Finally, several of the most promising supports are highlighted, and the research trends of synergistic supports in future PEFCs are predicted.