Recent development of non-platinum catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction

• Published in: Journal of power sources Vol. 152; no. 1; pp. 1 - 15
• Main Author: Wang, Bin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 01.12.2005; Elsevier Sequoia
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc; Exact sciences and technology; Fuel cells; Molecular-level assembly; Nano-scale materials; Non-platinum based; Oxygen reduction reaction; PEM fuel cell cathode; Molecular-level assembly; PEM fuel cell cathode; Non-platinum based; Nano-scale materials; Oxygen reduction reaction; Oxygen; Polymer electrolytes; Nanoparticle; Chemical reduction; Platinum; Membrane; Internal combustion engine; Catalyst; Fuel cell
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2005.05.098

The slow oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics on Pt catalysts is among the most limiting factors in the energy conversion efficiency of the state-of-the-art PEMFC. Also, Pt is scarcely available at a high price. Alternative materials are therefore highly sought for fuel cell applications. This review will concentrate on the electrochemical ORR on non-Pt catalysts, especially the experimental development during the past five years. Emphasis is placed on the understanding of the fundamental materials chemistry. This understanding seems pivotal for new designs of PEM cathode materials. Future outlooks are provided for researchers in engineering to select promising candidates for ORR.