Strain engineering of Pt-based electrocatalysts for oxygen reaction reduction

• Published in: Frontiers in Energy Vol. 18; no. 2; pp. 241 - 262
• Main Authors: Wang, Zeyu, Liu, Yanru, Chen, Shun, Zheng, Yun, Fu, Xiaogang, Zhang, Yan, Wang, Wanglei
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Beijing Higher Education Press 01.04.2024; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Catalysts; Chemical reduction; Electrocatalysts; Energy; Energy Systems; Oxygen reduction reactions; Proton exchange membrane fuel cells; Review Article; Sustainable energy; catalytic performance; Pt-based catalysts; strain engineering; proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs); oxygen reduction reaction (ORR)
• ISSN: 2095-1701; 2095-1698
• DOI: 10.1007/s11708-024-0932-x

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are playing irreplaceable roles in the construction of the future sustainable energy system. However, the insufficient performance of platinum (Pt)-based electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) hinders the overall efficiency of PEMFCs. Engineering the surface strain of catalysts is considered an effective way to tune their electronic structures and therefore optimize catalytic behavior. In this paper, insights into strain engineering for improving Pt-based catalysts toward ORR are elaborated in detail. First, recent advances in understanding the strain effects on ORR catalysts are comprehensively discussed. Then, strain engineering methodologies for adjusting Pt-based catalysts are comprehensively discussed. Finally, further information on the various challenges and potential prospects for strain modulation of Pt-based catalysts is provided.