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PGM‐Free Cathode Catalysts for PEM Fuel Cells: A Mini‐Review on Stability Challenges
Author(s) -
Shao Yuyan,
Dodelet JeanPol,
Wu Gang,
Zelenay Piotr
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
advanced materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.707
H-Index - 527
eISSN - 1521-4095
pISSN - 0935-9648
DOI - 10.1002/adma.201807615
Subject(s) - proton exchange membrane fuel cell , catalysis , materials science , cathode , degradation (telecommunications) , transition metal , fuel cells , oxygen reduction reaction , carbon fibers , platinum , chemical engineering , nanotechnology , inorganic chemistry , electrode , electrochemistry , chemistry , organic chemistry , composite material , telecommunications , composite number , computer science , engineering
In recent years, significant progress has been achieved in the development of platinum group metal‐free (PGM‐free) oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts for proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. At the same time the limited durability of these catalysts remains a great challenge that needs to be addressed. This mini‐review summarizes the recent progress in understanding the main causes of instability of PGM‐free ORR catalysts in acidic environments, focusing on transition metal/nitrogen codoped systems (M‐N‐C catalysts, M: Fe, Co, Mn), particularly MN x moiety active sites. Of several possible degradation mechanisms, demetalation and carbon oxidation are found to be the most likely reasons for M‐N‐C catalysts/cathodes degradation.